Emotional Support & Self-Care
Teaching is demanding work. Prioritize your wellbeing with strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining work-life balance throughout your career.
Take Care of Yourself First
You cannot pour from an empty cup. These resources will help you navigate the emotional challenges of teaching while maintaining your health, happiness, and passion for education.
Warning Signs of Burnout
Physical Exhaustion
Constant fatigue, frequent illness, changes in sleep patterns, or physical tension that won't go away.
Emotional Detachment
Feeling numb, cynical about teaching, or losing empathy for students and their struggles.
Decreased Performance
Difficulty concentrating, increased mistakes, procrastination, or feeling like nothing you do matters.
Loss of Purpose
Questioning why you became a teacher, feeling like you're not making a difference, or dreading going to work.
Daily Self-Care Checklist
Took a real lunch break (away from your desk)
Connected positively with a colleague
Acknowledged one thing that went well today
Set a reasonable time to stop working
Did something enjoyable outside of teaching
"The best thing I did for my students was learning to take care of myself. When I'm rested, balanced, and healthy, I'm a better teacher. Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential."
Sarah Chen, 4th Grade Teacher
Wellbeing Resources
Stress Management Toolkit
Practical techniques for managing classroom stress, including breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and quick resets.
Work-Life Balance Guide
Set healthy boundaries, manage your time effectively, and protect your personal life while excelling professionally.
Reflection Journal Prompts
Process your experiences, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges with guided reflection questions.
Building Support Networks
Find and cultivate relationships with mentors, colleagues, and communities who understand your journey.
Energy Management Plan
Identify your peak performance times, recognize warning signs of burnout, and develop sustainable habits.
Goal Setting Workbook
Set realistic professional goals, track your growth, and celebrate progress without perfectionism.
Self-Care Strategies for Teachers
Set Clear Boundaries
Decide your work hours and stick to them. It's okay to leave school work at school sometimes. You need time to recharge.
Practice Self-Compassion
You will make mistakes. You will have bad days. That's normal and doesn't make you a bad teacher. Be kind to yourself.
Celebrate Small Wins
Don't wait for perfect lessons or transformed students. Acknowledge daily victories, no matter how small they seem.
Connect with Other Teachers
Share struggles and successes with colleagues who understand. You're not alone in this journey, and community makes all the difference.
Prioritize Physical Health
Sleep, nutrition, and movement directly impact your ability to handle stress. Take care of your body so it can support your mind.
Know When to Ask for Help
Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to administrators, mentors, or counselors when you're struggling.
Mental Health Resources
If you're experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or burnout, professional support can help. These resources are specifically for educators:
Crisis Support Lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Available 24/7 for immediate support
Teacher-Specific Counseling
Many districts offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) with free, confidential counseling sessions. Check with your HR department.