A significant number of Teachers report experiencing stress at work. Recent data indicates that around 9 in 10 Teachers experience stress at work at least 20% of the time, with some experiencing it 80% or more.
Stress in the teaching profession is so commonplace that it's easy to accept it as normal, but there are a variety of stress management tips you can take on board to reduce the pressure and make sure you're providing high standards of education and support to your pupils without burning yourself out.
What Can I Do As A Busy Teacher?
Manage Your Workload
On average a Teacher's week spans 54.5 hours, which also includes lesson planning, marking, assessments, and extra-curricular activities. Ofsted recognises the need to reduce the workload for Teachers, as well as the Department for Education which has released a workload reduction toolkit and published advice on the subject.
It can seem impossible, but prioritising workload as a Teacher is vital to keeping on top of important tasks and helps ease the burden when unexpected changes happen. Keep a working document of urgent tasks and quick wins, as well as tasks that could take longer. Cross off activities and re-prioritise as you go.
It's unlikely to work perfectly due to the nature of being a Teacher, but accepting that is another way to reduce stress. Researcher Brene Brown has found that stressed-out people feel as though they're never achieving enough. If you find yourself relating to this, remind yourself that you are just one human and that you are doing your best. When you struggle with perfectionism, it's easy to catastrophise small mistakes, which is likely to lead to burnout.
Behavioural Management
Managing disruptive students as a Teacher can be incredibly stressful. If you're feeling as if nothing is working, read up on the latest behavioural management techniques.
Using a calm but assertive voice, establishing routines, and reinforcing positive behaviour can be effective for kids of all ages. Students often mirror the behaviour and standards you set. If you set a standard of respect and positivity in your classroom, you're likely to find they also respond positively, which in turn will lower your stress.
Work-life Balance
Being a Teacher is more than just a job. It's natural to want to do your best when children's futures are in your hands, but that's exactly why it's a bad idea to take too much of your work home.
To look after others effectively, you need to look after yourself first - this will not only make you happier, but also make you a better Teacher. Remember your favourite Teacher in childhood: when you have the energy to find genuine joy in your work, students can tell.
Practicing mindfulness meditation after work can be a great stress reliever, and making time for hobbies can help too.
Ask for Help
Teachers asking for help is just as important, as it is for pupils. If you're struggling with workload, the best option is to talk to a senior authority and discuss how much it's reasonable for you to do. If that's not possible, talk to your colleagues. They may be able to help with some of your responsibilities or suggest workload management strategies you haven't thought of - and even if not, just having someone to talk to about your stress can work wonders.
A big thing though is to find a job you love. No matter how challenging being a Teacher can be, it's one of the most rewarding jobs out there. Here at Vetro Recruitment, we offer a wide range of opportunities for Teachers.
Teachers and Support Staff not only support the learning and growth of the children under their care but have to balance it with a wide variety of administrative and extra-curricular duties. Whether you work with primary or secondary age children, or those with special educational needs, being a Teacher is truly more than just a job!
