In the ever-changing realm of education, teachers’ mental health and well-being continues to be a mainstay in teacher retention; particularly for school superintendents who value quality teachers. School districts must take an honest look at the current state of teachers’ mental health, thoroughly examine existing support systems, and ensure they are fostering a stable and effective workforce in order to serve the mental health needs of educators. This is especially important if schools are looking to ‘build capacity’ for teachers, as one cannot happen without the other.
There are many strategies schools can use to support teachers’ mental health both in and out of the classroom; however, one in particular stands out as an effective and engaging tool for retaining quality teachers: professional development.
The Stress of Teaching
It is widely known that teaching is a demanding profession. Educators consistently face high stress levels and early burnout. Contributing factors include unrealistic workload, challenges in the classroom including aggression, disruption, and sometimes violence and the emotional toll of supporting students who struggle with mental health challenges. One study showed that among other professionals, teachers show some of the highest levels of job stress and burnout.
Another study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education showed that these challenges and pressures on teachers has led to an increase among teachers considering leaving the profession. In fact, 20% of teachers reported experiencing symptoms of depression, about three times as many as the general working population. How can we change the narrative? How can we better serve one of our most vital resources, our nation’s teachers?
How Professional Development Impacts Retention
Professional development is an effective, proven blueprint for increasing teacher support and in turn, teacher retention. Professional development and coaching give teachers techniques to manage stress levels, increase self-care, build resilience and improve their overall well-being. One comprehensive journal points out how Continuous Professional Development (CPD) contributes to educators feeling valued, supported and empowered, leading to a positive impact on their overall job performance and commitment to their students and schools. Additionally, the journal points out that “Teachers who engage in continuous learning opportunities often report higher levels of confidence and efficacy in their teaching roles.”
Empowering teachers to have a say in their own professional development has also been shown to have an impact on their desire to stay in the profession. Professional development that empowers teachers to set their own professional development goals fosters a sense of autonomy and control, which is linked to retention.
What Makes a PD Workshop Meaningful?
For PD workshops to be effective, here are four (4) components that should be included:
- Interactive Workshops – Encouraging active participation through interactive sessions promotes better learning and assimilation of materials.
- Utilizing Collaborative Learning – Peer support groups contribute to a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Provide Ongoing Support – Continuous support, through a shared platform or forum, allows teachers to learn at their own pace and apply what they’ve learned to their daily lives—both inside and outside the classroom.
- Tailored Learning Tracks – Tailoring Professional Development to individual teacher needs increases engagement and assures that workshops are relevant to the unique needs and circumstances of each district.
A Note to District Leaders
The role of district leaders in supporting teachers’ mental health, reducing the stigma around mental health conversations, and modeling self-care cannot be overstated. School leaders set the tone for a school’s overall well-being, and by prioritizing mental health, they demonstrate a commitment to teacher and student well-being. This, in turn, fosters job satisfaction and ultimately improves teacher retention.
Recent data confirms that when school leaders adopt an approach that includes positive and personalized feedback, a supportive culture, and effective support strategies, teacher engagement increases, and burnout decreases.
Final Thoughts
Providing professional development workshops for teachers to improve mental health and reduce stress is a smart and strategic move by district leaders. Not only does this help retain quality teachers, but it also enhances the overall culture and climate in an inherently stressful environment. Educating our children is no easy feat, and every school administrator deserves to feel supported, engaged, and empowered to improve the quality of their professional lives and, ultimately, help students reach their full potential.
