Back to School - A Call for Healthy Educators
As the new school year begins, are you ready to face the challenges ahead, or are you still savoring the memories of a sun-soaked summer? My family and I had an amazing summer: camping, swimming, traveling, wrestling, laughing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and so much more! The start of the school year is a bitter-sweet time of year for me. Having worked in education for 15 years, the rhythms and traditions of this time of year are deeply ingrained in my being. There is a sort of Pavlovian response for me once August hits. As wonderful as summer has been, the return to school reminds me of the intense demands educators face. While students are gearing up with fresh supplies, educators are also preparing—though their challenges extend far beyond the classroom. For those working in education, I have a challenge for you: It's not just students who need support—educators, too, must prioritize their well-being to lead effectively.
Positive Start to School Year, But Here Comes the Grind
When you get on social media, everyone is making posts of pictures with their colleagues, posts about upbeat professional development, and overall expressing good vibes for the year to come. For educators, this is a very positive time of the year. Schools invest a lot of time and energy in the kick-off to a school year. They want to get the year off on the right foot. Then the grind hits. The demands of the students, the parents, the administration, and the public become too much. What started out as a challenging and rewarding job often turns into survival mode for many in education. In the service of others, we tend to lose ourselves along the way. In today’s evolving workplaces, burnout has become the norm for many in people-facing roles, including educators.
Avoid the Dreaded Drama Triangle
School leaders are given the unenviable and impossible task of being responsible for the happiness and well-being of anyone connected to the school (students, staff, parents, board members, politicians, community members - just about anyone who has an opinion about the school). Educators unfortunately can get stuck in the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT), where many feel like they are a Victim being Persecuted and in need of a Rescuer. For instance, a teacher might feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of parents and administrators, feeling like a victim with no control. Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards breaking free from it. This feeling of victimization is not sustainable for most to continue with education as a career. In simple terms, educators are giving more than they are being poured into. The lower pay (for the education and responsibility required) coupled with being constantly caught in political crosshairs, creates a tough environment for those ‘leading our next generation’.
Lead Self First Before Leading Others
Educators must first lead themselves before leading their students. Often lacking a healthy example at home, our students need to see great examples of what it means to be a healthy adult. We need the healthiest people in education - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to set the example for the next generation. This means we must take a holistic approach in supporting and training educators. We need to invest in the health and longevity of our educators. Educators need ongoing support and coaching for the entirety of the school year. In addition to ongoing professional development, educators need opportunities for personal development. This is just as important if someone wants a long and satisfying career in education. We are much more than the jobs we do!
Holistic Approach to Developing Yourself as a Leader
As a life coach who understands the demands of a career in education, I work with my clients to find true balance in their lives. Using a holistic approach, we focus on 6 areas of life (The 6 F’s - Fitness, Fellowship, Finances, Focus (Career), Family, and Fun). Faith, or our purpose in life, is foundational for all of the 6 areas of development. By taking a holistic approach to our lives, we no longer see ourselves as victims of our circumstances, but instead take control of our lives and our personal development.
From Surviving to Thriving
Imagine the impact on a child’s life when they’re guided by an educator who’s not just surviving but thriving. This is the difference we can make when we prioritize the well-being of our teachers. We need to change how we train and deploy educators into the field of education. Too many educators are suffering from the stress and incessant demands of their job, which result in the development of a negative mindset and overall unhealthy habits. We must be intentional about pouring into our educators and filling their cups. Taking a holistic approach to their development has never been more urgent. I would encourage teachers, support staff, and education leaders to think about how they can focus on holistic development this school year. Our students need us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Take Your Next Steps
Don't wait until the stress becomes unbearable. Start this school year by investing in yourself. Reach out today to learn how partnering with a Next Steps Mindset Coach can help you and your school achieve a balanced, fulfilling career in education
Email: clay@nextstepsmindset.com
Website: www.NextStepsMindset.com
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