This is a guest post contributed by Dr. Alva Perry, Literacy Specialist at Scholastic.
In today's busy world, where we face constant pressures, taking care of our well-being is incredibly important. It affects everything from how we relate to others, to how well we perform at work, and even our overall happiness. In schools, focusing on mental health is vital. For students, it directly impacts how well they can learn, handle challenges, and develop resilience. Similarly, teachers need to maintain their well-being to stay motivated, creative, and effective in the classroom. When individuals learn to prioritize their mental health, they are better equipped to handle life’s difficulties and contribute positively to their communities. That's why creating a culture that values and supports well-being isn't just helpful—it's essential for everyone to thrive together.
Promoting mindfulness and well-being in the classroom begins with establishing healthy habits, maintaining balance, and finding joy in what we do. When we make these aspects a priority, it helps students succeed academically and empowers teachers to positively impact the school community.
In the third installment of Supporting New Teacher Success, we will explore how new teachers can promote wellness in the learning environment, which complements a learning module found in the professional learning series entitled Foundations of Teaching Excellence. This resource enables new teachers to discover methods for promoting wellness for themselves and their students and keep reading for tips on how to do that:
Minding Healthy Habits
Paying attention to healthy habits aids in managing stress effectively by using relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or enjoying hobbies and activities that bring happiness and satisfaction. When teachers intentionally prioritize habits, it allows them to maintain their well-being, stay focused on their students' needs, and consistently perform at their best in the classroom. Monitor your current routines! This is something that we touch on in the Foundations of Teaching Excellence learning series, as keeping track of your daily behaviors can reveal established patterns and trends that have developed gradually. This information can serve as motivation for making necessary lifestyle adjustments, like improving sleep habits, or reinforcing positive choices such as maintaining a healthy diet. Developing healthy habits is important for students and educators because it provides the energy, focus, and resilience to handle daily challenges effectively.
Cultivating Joy
Creating joy means intentionally nurturing feelings of happiness, contentment, and positivity in yourself and those around you. This involves doing things that make you feel good, connecting deeply with others, practicing gratitude, staying present in the moment, and appreciating the beauty in everyday life. Daily pressures can sometimes make it difficult for both students and teachers to engage in joyful activities. Nevertheless, it remains important to prioritize cultivating joy because it fosters a mindset of curiosity and gratitude, which in turn promotes self-reflection, optimism, and personal growth. In the Foundation of Teaching Excellence professional learning series, we share ideas such asa gratitude wall. This space serves as a focal point for students and yourself during community circles or other reflective moments, providing opportunities to share affirmations, expressions of gratitude, and reflections on moments of joy experienced throughout the day. The gratitude wall enhances class community by encouraging members to appreciate and celebrate positive experiences together.
Managing Workload
Teachers face significant demands on their time and energy, as they are often juggling various responsibilities such as lesson planning, grading, student assessments, and administrative tasks. Effectively managing a teacher's workload is essential for maintaining both productivity and well-being. This involves prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and maximizing time efficiency. Students can play a valuable role in supporting these efforts by assisting with tasks. Delegating responsibilities like distributing materials and organizing classroom supplies allows teachers to concentrate on essential aspects of their role. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also cultivates a sense of ownership among students, fostering a positive classroom atmosphere and easing the overall workload for educators.
When teachers create classroom systems that promote and prioritize their well-being, it enhances their performance and creates a positive classroom atmosphere that contributes to student growth and the success of school communities.
Product Description
The Foundations of Teaching Excellence is a professional development learning course designed to set new teachers up for success with an immersive series that builds fundamental teaching skills. Through this course, educators will learn the three most important skills new teachers need for continued success: best practices for building strong relationships, time-maximizing strategies for classroom management, and structures that assist with workloads and developing healthy habits. Click the link to learn more about training and resources for new teachers.
Dr. Alva Perry, Literacy Specialist at Scholastic
Dr. Perry is a Literacy Specialist who provides instructional support in the PacWest Region. She has 13 years of classroom experience and 7 years of leadership experience in elementary schools. She has a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and a master's degree in teaching and Curriculum. Before joining Scholastic, Inc. Alva was a curriculum specialist in Compton Unified School District and a site administrator in a charter school network in South Los Angeles. Her expertise is in classroom management and data analysis. She enjoys collaborating with teachers and empowering them to be the agents of support students need for learning success.
