TEMPE, Ariz. (Aug. 18, 2023) – School is back in session for many students and teachers across the Valley. Teaching can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be stressful. Educational leaders say it’s important for teachers to focus on their health and well-being while they are in the classroom.
Judy Subaitis is the principal of Banner Academy, a private school with a long history of providing education to children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and students with emotional and learning disabilities. She says there are a number of signs she watches for in her teachers when it comes to their mental health and potential burnout. Some of those include:
- Heightened anxiety
- Extreme fatigue
- Excessive stress
- Not as effective at dealing with students
“When a student is escalated, they need a calm presence,” Subaitis said. “And teachers are so passionate and committed to their jobs, which is great, but sometimes they lose sight of taking care of themselves too, mentally and physically. So when they can’t exude that calm presence, it directly impacts the students.”
What can teachers do to mitigate burnout and improve their mental health? Subaitis says there are a few key components she recommends:
- Be proactive
- Know yourself
- Know your limitations
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help/support
- Prioritize a work-life balance
- Build teamwork and a culture of caring
Subaitis said having mindfulness and awareness with what you need to boost your emotional health, whether that be sleep, exercise or something else, is a critical first step.
“It’s important teachers identify these things early,” Subaitis said. “Because by the time someone notices a teacher is burnt out, it’s often too late. Whatever damage is going to take place, is probably already done.”
Subaitis also recommends teachers should try to identify and utilize coping strategies during times of stress including:
- Removing yourself from a stressful situation, if possible
- Take a five-minute “vacation” – for example, a coffee or snack break or anything to help calm you down you
- Use a fidget tool
- Listen to music
- Talk with a colleague
She also says teachers need to know that support and resources are there, because they can’t perform their job to the best of their ability if they are also dealing with burnout and low mental health.
“Being a teacher is so rewarding, but at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that it’s a just a job,” Subaitis said. “So take that day off, stay home when you’re sick, and prioritize your work-life balance.”
Banner Academy is a nationally accredited private school in Tempe, Arizona, with a long history of providing education to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as emotional and learning disabilities. The school is open to students in grades 4th through 12th. Families and school districts in the Metropolitan Phoenix area place students with special needs in our school because of our success with increasing academic and social skills, as well as reintegrating students into their home schools. We offer small classes, certified teachers and an individualized curriculum to help students reach their full academic potential. The Banner Academy has been accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, a division of Cognia since 1986, the first special needs school accredited in Arizona. Our school also meets the criteria set forth by the Arizona Department of Education as an approved Private Day School for students with special needs.
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For further information contact us at: media@bannerhealth.com