Wellbeing of teaching staff in the time of a pandemic.
Jade Finlay (M.A Research Psychology, B.A Hons. Counselling Psychology)
COVID 19 has had a major impact on society as a whole with many people suffering different challenges. Teachers had to quickly adapt to teaching during the time of a pandemic through printed out packs and online work. Some primary and secondary schools welcomed back certain year groups as restrictions eased, forcing schools to quickly adapt again, these teaching conditions however were still very far from normal. It has been nearly four months since teaching staff have taught a full day in school, whilst still working hard from home and in their bubbles going back to more of a normal routine is calling for them to adapt yet again. Challenges that will need to be considered as schools reopen are aspects such as teacher’s stamina, managing pupil and parent anxieties and managing the change of teaching style. Schools and teaching staff may have had a shift in work expectations as a result of knowing what it feels like having worked from home for so long. Is there a benefit in that more work could be done from home by teachers that would enable them to maintain a better work life balance?
Teaching staff will be faced with children who may have experienced more adverse childhood experiences due to the wide impact of lockdown. Children may have experienced loss of loved ones and many other challenges at home (domestic violence, financial concerns, caring responsibilities) (Mental Health Foundation, 2020). Teachers will need to be prepared for the possibility of children displaying more challenging behaivours due to these adverse experiences (Mental Health Foundation, 2020). The Mental Health Foundation (2020) suggests that when schools open there will be an increased need for wellbeing services, pastoral support and safeguarding. Creating supportive environments will be a key element for both the pupils and staff of schools (Mental Health Foundation, 2020). At this stage it is uncertain the full mental impact that lockdown and coronavirus will have had on people (Mental Health Foundation, 2020). It will be important for senior members of staff to check in with their staffing team and ensure that they themselves are speaking to people. Teaching staff need to be proactive and seek help and use the resources provided by their institution, if necessary. School Planner (n.d) has the following quote on their website “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others”, something that I think teachers and school staff often forget. It is important that the wellbeing of those working in school is taken into consideration both for the individuals and their pupils. School Planner (n.d) mention a number of resources that may be helpful to those working within in schools, I have provided links to them at the bottom of this blog. It is incredibly difficult for people to look after the mental wellbeing of others if they are struggling with their own mental wellbeing, it is therefore imperative for teachers to look after their wellbeing.
Allen, Rowan and Singh (2020) explore how that the majority of studies done on mental health among teachers have focused on the prevention of mental health problems and not the promotion of positive mental health. Considering all the implications of coronavirus it is important now more than ever to focus not only on preventing mental health problems but promoting positive mental wellbeing. Allen, Rowan and Singh (2020) found that mindfulness based interventions are one approach to help reduce teacher burnout, this activity may be beneficial as a school activity rather than on an individual level. Teaching staff can utilise the 5 ways to wellbeing to help enhance positive mental wellbeing, these ways are the following:
Connect: Humans crave connection and relationships with other people, reach out to work colleagues and seek support if you are struggling.
Be active: exercise and being active are linked to healthy mental wellbeing.
Take notice and be mindful: Being present and mindful in the moment can reduce anxiety and promote mental wellbeing
Learn a new skill: Mastering something new enhances individual self –esteem and can help connect you to other people.
Give to others: Helping others by being kind or volunteering within in the community has been shown to provide people with a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing. Giving to others can simply mean small acts of kindness such as sincerely asking someone how they feel and being there to support them (NHS, n.d; Mind, n.d).
The current situation is an unknown for all parties involved, including school staff and parents and it is therefore important for everyone to try and be considerate and supportive of one another as we all navigate the challenges associated with the implications of coronavirus. If you or a colleague of yours is struggling during this time make sure to reach out and get the help you need.
Good luck to all the school staff, pupils and parents/carers returning to school this week
Love and Light,
Jade Finlay
BACP Membership number: 00949780
BPS: 439225
Resources:
References:
Allen, J., Rowan, L & Singh, P. (2020). Teaching and teacher education in the time of COVID-19, Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 48:3, 233-236, DOI: 10.1080/1359866X.2020.1752051
Mental Health Foundation. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-school-after-lockdown
Mind. (n.d). Five ways to wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/
NHS. (n.d.). 5 steps to mental wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
School Planner (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.schoolplanner.co.uk/blog/teachers-mental-health-and-wellbeing/