Back To Work? Tips To Reduce On-the-Job Stress For Teachers

Like any helping profession, teaching can be a stressful job, but teachers say the reward is watching students as they advance. According to a University of Phoenix online survey[1], K-12 teachers surveyed most enjoy the interaction with children – with 68 percent citing seeing the growth of students and 57 percent saying working with children in general as their favorite part of the job.

The survey also revealed that 53 percent of K-12 teachers are very satisfied with their career, and two in three (66 percent) would recommend the profession to others.

“Those who go into the teaching profession tend to have a passion for it, it’s hard work and sometimes thankless. As we recognize teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-11, we want them to know that self-care is important,” said Pamela Roggeman, Ed.D., academic dean for the College of Education at University of Phoenix.

Teaching, which is a “helping” profession, can leave the caregiver drained as they focus on their job – helping students. Roggeman gives some tips on self-care:

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether from the school principal, classroom parents or your colleagues, a support system is important.
  2. Request donations for the classroom to relieve personal financial burden. Teachers are often digging into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies. Ask parents for assistance in collecting needed items.
  3. Make an effort to do small things every day to take care of you. Have snacks on hand for those days that your lunch break is interrupted. Look into short meditations or breathing exercises for times when stress levels are higher.
  4. Take time to re-charge. Career burnout can happen. Take a day off or a short break when you can and focus on something you enjoy doing.
  5. Make your classroom a place where everyone can re-focus. Remember that your state of mind will guide your students. Try things students can benefit from too, like mindful moments throughout the day, or even aromatherapy.

Self-care is about both the body and the mind. Staying up to date on current trends can also help reduce on-the-job stress. According to the same survey, about half (47 percent) of K-12 teachers who have been teaching for at least five years say there are more leadership role opportunities than in the past, but only 16 percent of all teachers gave themselves an “A” when it comes to educational technology, leaving room for growth in this area for many.