With December right around the corner, we have officially entered the run-up to Christmas. That means the kids will start getting overly excited, and naturally, this will make teaching a little challenging. We know that the landscape of education has been flipped upside down thanks to the pandemic, and as a result, teachers are under more stress than ever before. In return, mental health among teachers is taking a hit.
The chaotic behaviour always begins when December starts, and while it could be easy to “pop a DVD” on the screen, we know that you can make these final weeks count. To help you survive the festive period and overcome the end of term exhaustion, we have created a Teacher’s Guide with some useful tips and resources.
Collaborate With Colleagues
By no means is this tip reinventing the wheel, but more often than not we forget that our fellow colleagues are going through the same thing. Equally, we forget that they are available to help us, and vice-versa. When things get tough and you feel overwhelmed, why not lean on the shoulder of a colleague to assist you? Whether you are borrowing some resources or you need their help with a task, teamwork can make all the difference
Lean Into The Festivities
Why not embrace winter in your classroom? From winter-themed tasks to decorations for your room, there are multiple ways in which you can embrace winter in the classroom. Teachers that embrace the time of year and can incorporate playful elements into their teaching will always be appreciated by their students.
Support System
There are going to be days when work is overwhelming and you have a negative mindset – it happens to the best of us. During these moments, it’s important to lean on your support systems, like your friends and family. If things are extremely serious, then please don’t shy away from professional help. There are support systems and organisations available, such as:
Celebrate When You Can
Sometimes we have to celebrate at unconventional hours within the day over the festive period, but that doesn’t make it any less festive. Whether you want to watch a festive film on Netflix, bake a festive treat, or spend time with loved ones, celebrate the festive period when you can.
Support: Mental Health Among Teachers
We all know that the festive period can be a challenging time, and as a key worker in a demanding role, we want you to know that there is support should you need it. You are not alone.
Your GP: If you are feeling low, it is perfectly ok to speak with your GP. You do not need to be suffering from a specific mental health problem to receive support. For more information on speaking to your GP, please click here.
Talking Treatments: There are treatments, such as counselling, that can help you explore your worries and feelings with a professional. By speaking to a professional, you can overcome some of your frustrations or difficulties and shift to a positive space.
Mental Health Helplines: Sometimes, speaking to someone can make a real difference, and there are helplines with trained professionals available. We know that the mental health among teachers has taken a toll over the last couple of months, and with the festive period in full swing, we want you to know that there is support if you need it. The charities listed below won’t judge, and they could help you make sense of any feelings you are having.
- Samaritans – 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day)
- SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- Papyrus HOPELINE – Available to 35 & under – 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm)
- The MIX – Available to those under 25 – 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day)
- Nightline – Available to Students – Nightline Website.
- Switchboard – LGBTQIA+ Support – 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)
- C.A.L.L – Available to those who lie in Wales – Website.
