School and Community Winter 2023

While self-care can help individuals treat burnout, it will take systemic changes to address the issue of teacher burnout as a whole. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the final report of its Blue Ribbon Commission on teacher recruitment and retention. Teacher mental health support was included among issues like higher salaries, Career Ladder and tuition assistance. The Commission recommended that DESE partner with statewide education associations, including MSTA, to provide wellness and mental health resources to school staff. The commission also recommended that the Missouri School Board Association partner with DESE to develop model policies and procedures for school districts to implement, hoping to lessen teacher stress and improve mental health. The policy would include: • A commitment to support mental health in schools. • Promotion of a positive workplace climate. • Allocation of paid time off as multipurpose days (as opposed to defined sick days) with an explicit allowance for these days to be used for wellness. • Inclusion of mental health coverage in all healthcare policies. • Establishment of a district-wide workforce mental health committee with the following functions: 1. Ensuring that resources and supports related to traumatic stress, stress management, and other mental health needs are available, accessible, and proactively shared through DESE and local district channels. 2. Ensuring that school-based staff are able to access a stress self-assessment tool and associated resources. 3. Regularly assessing district and school-level implementation of the model policy and procedures, including gathering input and feedback from school-based staff. 4. Working with the local school board to ensure that schools and staff receive the appropriate resources and training for continuous improvement. 5. Annually reporting a summary of activities to the local school board. The model policy would be created, shared directly with local school board members and publicly posted on the MSBA website by a date to be determined by DESE and MSBA. MSBA would work directly with local school board members to encourage every school district to adopt a policy that incorporates the above elements, as well as a requirement for regular review to determine whether updates are needed.

So how do we battle the burnout without giving in or giving up on our profession that is truly world-changing? • Set goals: Try to set goals for what must get done and what can wait. • Seek support: Whether you reach out to coworkers, friends or loved ones, support and collaboration might help you cope. Seeking professional help from a therapist is also a tool that will help you find a safe space to express emotions and feelings. • Try a relaxing activity: Making time for an activity that brings you joy, excitement or energy. Do you like to read, bike, hike, listen to music, or bake? Maybe you could explore a new activity that can help with stress such as yoga, meditation or tai chi. • Get some exercise: Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work. • Get some sleep: Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health. • Practice mindfulness: Focus on your breath flow and become intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling

at every moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a job setting, this practice involves facing situations with openness, patience and without judgment.

One way that I handle stress is to repeat a mantra or affirmation throughout my day. My mom used to have a sign in her kitchen that said, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” I would like to alter this to fit us teachers. “If the teacher isn’t healthy, the classroom isn’t healthy!” You can battle the burnout with balance in your life. Let that coffee cup runneth over and find ways to take care of yourself in this new year!

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