Telling teachers to practice self-care has been one of my biggest pet peeves over the past few years for several reasons: 1. It places blame on the teacher as the reason for their struggle with a work life balance. 1/
It lets the admin/school/district off the hook for reducing the work load for teachers. It allows the school/district to avoid examining the systems/structures that create the unhealthy workload for teachers. 2/
If you are telling teachers to practice self-care but are continually asking them to give up planning time to cover when there is a shortage of subs, you have no business telling them to practice self-care. 3/
If you are telling teachers to practice self-care, but subject them to endless initiatives, unproductive meetings, antiquated practices, additional duties, and fluffy activities, you have no business telling them to practice self care. 4/
What you do have business in doing is finding ways to lighten their loads, build more planning time in the work day, and change structural barriers that are making teaching unsustainable. Is it hard work? Yes but are your teachers worth it? 5/
If teachers are doing any sort of additional duties or giving up planning time, especially for sub shortages, you need to compensate them. If you would have paid a sub, had the job filled, you can pay your teachers. 6/
And for the love of God, stop with the free jeans day passes as payment for the extra work. 7/
“If school & district leaders prioritize teacher well-being in structural ways, their educators will be better equipped to tackle the myriad of student needs stemming from the pandemic and societal inequities. Teachers, their students, & the entire school community will thrive.”
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