Teacher Wellness

Stress. Burnout. Long hours. Increasing demands. Insights into teachers’ mental and physical wellness and what schools can do
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Early Childhood What the Research Says 6 Challenges for Early Educators as Preschool Growth Halts
School enrollment for the nation’s youngest learners has nosedived—and could cause long-term problems.
Sarah D. Sparks & Gina Tomko, August 25, 2023
4 min read
McNichols Plaza second grade teacher Nicole Ralicke barricades a door in a Scranton High School classroom as the school goes into lockdown during an active shooter training exercise for Scranton School District teachers and staff with the Scranton Police Department in Scranton, Pa., on Sept. 6, 2022.
Teacher Nicole Ralicke practices barricading a door in a classroom during an active shooter training exercise for teachers and staff who work in the Scranton school district in Scranton, Pa., on Sept. 6, 2022.
Christopher Dolan/The Times-Tribune via AP
School Climate & Safety How a New Training Eases Teachers' Anxiety About Emergency Drills
The training incorporates mental health support into emergency preparedness.
Madeline Will, August 25, 2023
7 min read
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Teaching Profession Here's What Teachers Say They Need Most to Manage Stress, Mental Health
Topping their list: Time, including dedicated planning periods and fewer administrative duties.
Madeline Will, July 18, 2023
7 min read
Illustration of a Black woman with her eyes closed and clouds and lightning bolts surrounding her big hair.
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Teaching Profession What's Happening to Teacher Stress Levels
Teachers' stress levels have come down since the start of the pandemic, but the job still carries significant challenges.
Madeline Will, June 21, 2023
5 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion What Are Binaural Beats? One Way for Teachers to Calm Their Brain Waves
Some in the field are put off by self-care talk, but these educators are finding that committing to it is bringing them a lot of joy.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 15, 2023
12 min read
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Teaching Profession Lots of Teachers Are Going Through Menopause. Why Isn’t There More Support for Them?
The average teacher is 43, and the profession is dominated by women. Many will enter menopause while on the job.
9 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion It's the End of School Year. You're Tired. What's a Teacher to Do?
If you're looking to refuel, here are 13 ideas to help you thrive as a teacher.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 9, 2023
14 min read
Kerry Graham
Kerry Graham
Courtesy of Kerry Graham
Teaching Profession Q&A Dear Students, Here's Why I Quit: A Teacher's Moving Letter Explains Her Decision
Grief and stress soured Kerry Graham on her job, but not on her students.
Elizabeth Heubeck, June 8, 2023
6 min read
Image of a teacher holding the school door open for kids wearing backpacks to exit.
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Teaching Profession 4 Ways Teachers Are Making the End of the Year Less Stressful
Wrapping up the school year can be daunting for teachers.
Stacey Decker, June 2, 2023
1 min read
Illustration of teachers and students.
Mary Haasdyk Vooys for Education Week<br/>
Teaching Profession Opinion Teacher Stress Is Not Inevitable
But first we need to stop expecting teachers to be Band-Aids for system inequalities. Sacrifice shouldn't be part of the job.
Kristabel Stark, Kathryn Meyer & Elizabeth Bettini, May 25, 2023
4 min read
Teaching Profession Webinar Improving Teacher Well-Being: Results of the Second Annual Merrimack Teacher Survey
Learn about the latest findings from the Merrimack College Teacher Survey. Discover practical strategies for enhancing teacher well-being and retention from a panel of K-12 practitioners and teacher educators.
May 25, 2023
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Teaching Profession Dear Administrators: Here Are 7 Things Teachers Want You to Know
Teachers offer unvarnished advice about how administrators can make them feel heard and respected.
Madeline Will, May 24, 2023
6 min read
Alexandra Robbins
Alexandra Robbins
Teaching Profession Q&A Why This Author Wants to Ditch the Term 'Teacher Burnout'
Alexandra Robbins' advocacy on behalf of teachers stems from her own research for a book on the teaching profession.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 24, 2023
5 min read