Why SEL is important for Teacher Resiliency

As Teachers/Educators, we often find ourselves tasked with more than just teaching our students. We are also responsible for our student’s social and emotional well-being. And, while this can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a physically and mentally taxing one. With the increasing demands of the job, it is important for teachers to prioritize their own social and emotional well-being in order to remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Here are some tips for teacher resilience:

1. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself should be your top priority. This may include getting enough rest, eating healthy, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Self-care is essential for teacher resilience and can help you stay energized and motivated.

2. Connect with Others: The power of social connection cannot be understated. Connecting with other teachers and mental health professionals can provide invaluable support and help you process difficult emotions.

3. Set Boundaries: It is important to set boundaries in order to protect your mental and emotional health. This could include saying no to additional tasks or setting time limits on certain activities.

4. Take Breaks: Breaks are an important part of teacher resilience. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you refocus and recharge.

5. Find Meaning: Finding meaning in your work can help increase your resilience. This could include focusing on the impact your work has on students or the joy you get from teaching.

By following these tips, teachers can work to increase their resilience and better manage the challenges of the job. Remember, you deserve to take care of yourself too. There is a temptation to pour ourselves into our jobs in order to get the “best,” results. This will eventually lead to burnout and negatively effect relationships and other commitments. Get a plan that will work for you in order to keep yourself fresh, clear, and energized. Keep Pushing!!