An Ode to Teachers and School Staff
To my dear teachers and school staff,
There are so many things about this school year that are different. Dealing with rampant behavioral issues among your students. Dealing with administrators who may be short fused as they deal with a plethora of Covid related issues. Dealing with expectations from staff and parents that are not realistically achievable. These are some of the issues that have been arising. In all of this, you have received minimal training and have no previous experience with this. This is not what you signed up for!
Here is where I as a therapist is supposed to offer some magical advice to make things better. And yet I can’t offer solutions, because I have none. There is so much in the situation that is out of our control. However, you can seek the small things that are in your control to change by accepting the situation as it is, without self judgment or self blame.
Here are some things that you can work towards accepting.
Accepting that this year is different
Accepting that speaking a whole day with your mask on saps your energy.
Accepting that you be more tired and stressed than ever before
Accepting that your students may not be emotionally available to learn the same way that they
have been in the past as they experienced/ing emotional trauma and/or mental health issues
Accepting that this year, you may not be able to make as much progress as years past
Accepting that you are going through your own challenges in dealing with Covid
Accepting that it is extra stressful navigating increased behavioral issues with your students
Accepting that your fellow staff and colleagues are also overwhelmed with stress and may be irritable and less supportive
Accepting that the administration and parents may be placing a heavy burden on you to perform.
What can you do?
Nurture yourself with self compassion instead of self blame.
Create scheduled times throughout the day to breathe and take a mindful break.
Identify a hobby or something that you enjoy doing and do it regularly.
Know that “this too shall pass”, but that the present moment is challenging.
Let go of some of your expectations.
Take scheduled mental health days preemptively.
Create healthy social outlets by reaching out to mentally healthy and supportive relatives or friends.
Incorporate exercise in your weekly routine.
Know that in all of this, there are so many of us supporting you and rooting for you. You are the heroes in the daily grind making a difference for tomorrow.
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The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Rivky Steen, LGPC
Photo Credit: Floral Deco, Julia M Cameron, Brett Jordan, and Andrea Piacquadio
Date of Download: 10/21/2021
