Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
How to support teacher wellbeing

How leaders can support their teachers’ wellbeing post-pandemic

Date posted : 17 January 2022

Teaching is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling vocations, but the huge responsibilities it entails can take their toll on teachers’ mental wellbeing.

Teacher wellbeing can often be overlooked by leaders and the teacher themselves. Mental health issues have been intensified considerably in the wake of COVID-19, with 52% of teachers saying that their mental health deteriorated during the pandemic. Here at Teaching Personnel, we understand the importance of mental wellbeing and we’ve provided these top tips that leaders can use to support their staff in such turbulent times.

Provide teachers with a more manageable workload

There are a range of steps that leaders can take to manage the wellbeing of teachers in a post-pandemic world and reducing their workload can have a major positive impact on their mental health.

Excessive workloads and built-up deadlines can lead to a snowballing of work that results in stress, anxiety and feelings of exhaustion. Managing workloads is a responsibility that must be shared between the teachers and the employer. With an efficient culture of collaboration and teamwork in place, workloads can be distributed throughout the team, providing each teacher with a manageable amount of work.

A teacher’s workload can also be reduced by providing them with access to extra resources and technology that can reduce the time taken to complete tasks. For example, there are a range of resources that can:

  • Reduce marking time
  • Help teachers keep track of student data and progress
  • Streamline communication with parents and peers
  • Provide the opportunity for flexible working

If schools can implement changes in technology and resources, they can take a significant step towards improving teacher wellbeing.

Create a more open culture

Creating an open working environment and a culture where teachers are encouraged to talk about their wellbeing is crucial to supporting mental health issues. It’s worth keeping in mind that teachers may not be aware of the support available to them until you reach out.

Promoting an open culture can be as simple as sending staff an email to let them know where they can go to talk about their wellbeing. Encourage them to be open about their work-life, or personal life if they desire, and take advantage of what can be a vital support network.

Once your staff are aware that they can be open and share information about their current state, you can then begin to find solutions to work-related issues and, in turn, improve their wellbeing.

Let teachers know that they are appreciated

This may go without saying but praising teachers and showing how much they are appreciated can go a long way towards supporting their mental wellbeing. Teacher appreciation can be shown in many ways including, providing any extra resources that they need, complementing them for their hard work through difficult times and celebrating any milestones or achievements.

Creating a culture of recognition helps employees see that their company values them and their contributions to the success of their team and the company overall. This is particularly important for teachers as it helps them build a sense of security in their value to the school, motivating them to continue great work which, in turn, benefits the students.

Provide training for staff

Recognition of issues regarding mental health and the importance of tackling them head-on is more important than ever. It’s imperative that all employees, particularly leaders, help to identify when a member of staff needs support. Schools can provide their staff with further training to help them enhance their empathy skills and show them how they can help if a fellow colleague is in need.

Schools can also improve teacher wellbeing by providing their staff with vital training on managing stress and recognising signs that a colleague may be experiencing mental health issues. Training modules should promote a healthy work-life balance culture, introduce coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and offer employees more support than ever.

Join one of the largest teaching networks in the UK

We provide permanent and supply teachers to over 5,000 schools every year, cementing our standing as the leading supply teacher agency. Register today and join the UK’s largest flexible workforce of teachers in the country and be part of our effort to provide the best education to students.

List #1

Related posts

Recruitment and Retention for MAT Leaders

Teaser

Multi-Academy Trusts

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO

Teaser

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Addressing Bullying: Transforming "Banter" into Respectful Dialogue

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between

Teaser

Addressing the fine line between banter and bullying. Learn how seemingly harmless 'banter' can take a dark turn into hurtful bullying and the impact it has on students' well-being.

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

view of young girl with glasses from behind working on school work
Teaching Personnel and Ark Curriculum Plus Delivering Mathematics Mastery

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school

Teaser

Discover how Teaching Personnel and Ark Curriculum Plus are revolutionizing primary math education in Leeds, Liverpool, Preston, and Sheffield.

Read more
Teacher in shirt and tie supervising students at desks taking exams in a school hall
How to Prepare Pupils for Their Mock Exams: A Guide for Educators

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex

Teaser

Our educator's guide offers tips to prepare students for mock exams, helping them gain confidence and perform well.

Read more
How to create a teacher supply pool this term

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness

Teaser

Learn how to build a resilient supply pool of trusted teachers with Teaching Personnel to combat shortages, reduce costs, and enhance education quality.

Read more
How to Survive Your PGCE: Essential Tips for Aspiring Educators

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead

Teaser

In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Teaching Personnel, we'll delve into valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate this transformative phase of your professional development.

Read more
5 Tips for Managing Your Teaching Workload

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin

Teaser

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelings of stress.

Read more
Teaching Assistant
Practical Behaviour Management Tips for Teaching Assistants

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a diverse skill set. One of the responsibilities of a TA is supporting the teacher in managing classroom behaviour eff

Teaser

Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a diverse skill set. One of the responsibilities of a TA is supporting the teacher in managing classroom behaviour effectively. As a TA, you play a crucial role in creating a positive and conducive learning environment.

Read more
QTS
Can I Become a Supply Teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape young minds and inspire future generations. Many people find great joy and fulfilment in pursuing a career in education. One avenue within

Teaser

Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape young minds and inspire future generations. Many people find great joy and fulfilment in pursuing a career in education. One avenue within the teaching profession is becoming a supply teacher. But can you become a supply teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Read more
National Teaching Assistants Day - nominate your classroom champion 

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

There are around 295,000 teaching assistants (TAs) working in schools across England and Wales. Today, teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting students and teachers. In 2022, TAs account

Teaser

Daily, TAs dedicate themselves to supporting teachers and enriching education through collaboration and guidance. To mark the great work that teaching assistants do in schools, National Teaching Assistants Day takes place on September 29th 2023. 

Read more
company logo
Search