What are some practical ways for teachers to prioritize their emotional health?

Navigating the challenges inherent in the realm of teachers is a complex task. On one hand, their presumed vulnerability appears almost commonplace, with episodes of crises and emotional breakdowns forming a shared backdrop in our collective experiences within the educational institution. Yet, on the other hand, there seems to be a denial, where teachers are perceived as too willingly exploiting difficulties that may be deemed entirely unjustified. In certain societal models, there is ever-increasing demands on teachers. They are not only anticipated to fulfill their educational duties but also to ensure tangible results beyond a mere obligation of means, whether in terms of student success or outcomes in major international assessments.

Se o tema é prioridade da saúde emocional docente é imperioso que o professorado aprenda a dizer "não". Digo "aprenda a dizer" justamente para que haja uma comunicação assertiva. Não precisa ser um não grosseiro ou desrespeitoso, mas sim o não do tipo "desculpe, mas não será possível" ou "não tenho condições, perdoe-me". A saúde emocional do professorado da atualidade está desgastada justamente pelo excessivo assedio moral vindo de todos os lados e somada ao excesso de trabalho. Precisamos entender que "até aqui eu dou conta" e "a partir daqui, NÃO!"

I feel like setting boundaries is one of the hardest things teachers do. We are always so focused on the needs of our students and others that we fail to set up the boundaries that protect our needs. We should be emphasizing the importance of healthy boundaries in teacher preparation programs.

Seeking support is essential for emotional well-being as it provides a vital avenue for expressing feelings, gaining insights, and fostering connections with others. Sharing emotions with friends, family, or professionals offers validation, comfort, and valuable coping strategies. This not only reduces stress and anxiety but also combats the stigma around mental health, contributing to a more supportive and understanding society.

La reflexión es de suma importancia para priorizar la salud emocional de los maestros, considerando que reflexionar en y sobre la practica profesional hace que logremos niveles de autoconocimiento importantes lo que repercute en una estabilidad emocional al conocer nuestros limites, nuestras metas, fortalezas y debilidades en nuestro desarrollo porfesional.

There is also a recurring call for teacher involvement in administrative tasks, management of orientation processes and study projects. Yet, what are the specific risk factors associated with these professions? Drawing from my own experiences, I would consider the demands intrinsic to the educational relationship, involving a sharing of the pressure for success and the awareness of the emotional and social challenges faced by our learners. Additionally, there is the concomitant daily imperative of professional autonomy: maintaining efficiency, staying relevant to one's audience, and constantly evolving in both form and content to address increasingly elusive needs. It requires a continuous process of self-questioning.