We all know that teaching is not for the faint of heart. It is a tough job to put it lightly. It comes with such a rollercoaster of emotions and an unending list of things that need to be done; done yesterday. Some days just getting ready in the mornings, I already feel overwhelmed thinking about the school day ahead. But I remember there are some great mental health tips out there that not only work for me but my co-workers as well. Every day I show up to not only teach kiddos that I love BUT I get to see my teacher besties; my support system to share these 10 Mental Health Tips with!
Co-Teachers Tip 1. Share
Share your favorite teacher supplies. I know it is hard to think about loaning out those sharpies and sticky notes but when other co-workers come in and ask to borrow, share. When the staff realizes that you have items and you will share them with others, they will be knocking on your door often.Mental Health Tip:
While being kind and sharing is an important part of being a good co-worker and having a good working relationship with your co-workers you are also allowed to say no. You might not want to share your favorite pen but you can share your things like Freebies and ideas. Sharing the ETTC I Spy: Early Literacy Freebie can be a great way to show your co-teachers that you are willing to share, just maybe not willing to give up your favorite highlighter.
2. Keep Your Door Open
Keep your door open and leave it open before and after the kiddos are there. An open door signals a welcoming attitude and soon enough, others will be popping their heads in to say hello and maybe strike up a conversation.Mental Health Tip:
While maintaining an open door and always being kind and welcoming is an important part of having a relationship with any co-worker it is also important to know that when you need to close your door, it is okay.3. Volunteer
Volunteer for small tasks and big projects. Working alongside others who are also giving of their time and knowledge gives plenty of opportunities to bond over planning open houses or decorating halls.Mental Health Tip:
This tip comes with limits. Be involved, be willing to help, and definitely be willing to receive/give new ideas. However, if you are overwhelmed, know that you can stick to your contracted hours and responsibilities. If you are feeling guilty about not being able to volunteer time, you can always volunteer ideas. Tell your team to sign up for something like the Teaching Tiny Humans course where you can get ideas, classroom management techniques, and freebies straight to your email.
4. Speak Up
At meetings and in teacher workrooms and in the halls speak up. Not enough to gather the eye roll of being ‘that teacher’ but enough to get noticed. Say hello. Introduce yourself. Give compliments. And ask questions.Mental Health Tip:
Remember, that even though it is important to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while it is also important to do this in a way that you feel comfortable. Things like online communities are a fun way to get your voice heard in a way that doesn't push you too far out of your comfort zone. Joining an online community like the Fearless Facebook Communities can do just that. Join Facebook Kindergarten Fearless Group, First Grade Fearless Group, or Second Grade Fearless Teacher Group.Co-Teachers Tip 5. Be Nice
to everyone! You and I both know that the school wouldn’t run the same without the secretarial staff, support staff, kitchen staff, and cleaning staff. Be welcoming and warm to all of them. These are the people that interact with everyone and can take you under their wing to introduce you to all sorts of teacher circles.Mental Health Tip:
I am a big believer in treating everyone with kindness. My mental health tip on this one is based on personal experience. Being nice to others is a great way to keep your conscience clear and therefore keep your mind at ease. I don't know about you but, I think it is really nice to save money and I am sure your co-teachers feel the same way. If you give them the idea of saving tons of money on Unlimited Printables with an ETTC Premium Membership.
6. Show Up!
I am an introvert and this one is hard for me but oh so important. If there are scheduled social events for teachers, make plans to be there. It is refreshing to see colleagues in other surroundings than school buildings and who knows, you may turn co-workers into some teacher besties over a bowl of chips and salsa!Mental Health Tip:
This tip is similar to the mental health tip on Tip #4. Definitely step out of your comfort zone when the situation calls for it, but remember to listen to yourself and be kind to yourself.Co-Teachers Tip 7. KNOCK
Knock on other open doors! Take the time to go to other classrooms and take notice. This is a golden opportunity to comment on lessons they’ve displayed on their walls, talk a little about resources they’ve used to do the lessons, and maybe even begin to share some of your knowledge on resources as well.Mental Health Tip:
This, in itself, is a tip that keeps your mental health in mind. You are the leader in this scenario and you can decide when you are in a good headspace to do this and when you feel most comfortable taking this approach with your co-workers.8. BE OPEN
Sometimes we have it in our minds that our besties would teach just like us or have the same interests. But your bestie could be the crazy teacher down the hall that is anything but conventional. Don’t shut yourself off from any opportunity.Mental Health Tip:
Remember that this goes both ways. Just because the teachers down the hall do things in a more traditional fashion doesn't mean you have to. Do what works for you and your students. Be open to trying new things and use freebies like the ETTC Social Studies Unit Freebie, which has two weeks of social studies units packed into one freebie.
