Teacher mental wellbeing is essential for pupil support.

It’s well established that better mental wellbeing is an important factor in how we perform, how productive we are, and how capable we are of supporting others.

Yet, at present teacher wellbeing is often seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘have to have’.

With diminishing school budgets and a strain on teachers to hit more targets and meet more objectives, wellbeing has never been so needed, but so undervalued.

The question is, how can we help our pupils if we are in need of help?

67% of teachers describe themselves as stressed and 31% of teachers have experienced a mental health issue in the past academic year.

The statistics show us a bleak picture of the current state of mental wellbeing in teachers, which makes you wonder how a burnt-out teacher could possibly be providing the best care for their pupils.

Here’s the case for why all schools should be investing and supporting teacher wellbeing, not only to enhance the lives of teachers but to enhance the lives of the pupils entrusted into their care.

We Are More Aware of Subtle Signs

When we reach stages of burnout or are experiencing mental ill-health, our brains and bodies go into survival mode. It’s no longer about what’s around us, but how we can make it through the day.

With this in mind, a teacher with low health and wellbeing, experiencing high levels of stress, will be less likely to manage poor behaviour.

As many teachers will know, poor behaviour is linked to much larger issues the child may be going through. From trauma at home to struggles in the playground.

If a teacher reacts or doesn’t react well to these signs, big issues that the student is going through can be missed.

This has a much wider impact on the classroom, as a teacher who is ill will find it more difficult to manage poor behaviour, leading to higher levels of disruption for the rest of the class.

We Can Give Our Energy to Others

When our wellbeing is high, we have more energy, a more positive outlook on life, and are more aware of those around us.

A teacher who is healthy and mentally resilient, will have the enthusiasm to support students who may be struggling with lessons, or going through a difficult time at home.

When we feel well, we are more inclined to help others.

In turn, this higher state of wellbeing allows us to foster positive relationships with students and feel more connected. Through this awareness, we then help those students with their wellbeing as we can make them feel supported and heard.

A better sense of connectedness is created in the classroom when teacher wellbeing is high, and that begins to strengthen conversations between student and pupil.

We Can Nurture Success

There are a number of studies that have shown teacher wellbeing impacts academic results. In fact, research from the Teacher Support Network found that teacher stress can have an 8% variance in student performance.

While the studies reveal the cold hard facts, it’s simply common sense that a teacher who is more positive and healthy will be more likely to teach lessons which are creative, challenging, and effective.

When we put a priority on teacher wellbeing, we are also investing in the success of our students.