Teachers, You’ve Got This! Supporting the Wellbeing of Teachers

As the summer holidays draw to a close, students aren’t the only ones feeling the weight of the upcoming school year. For teachers, the transition from the slower pace of summer to the demands of the classroom can be overwhelming. While education is a rewarding profession, it often comes with emotional, mental, and physical challenges that aren’t always visible. Recognising that mental health matters—especially during the back-to-school routine—is crucial for supporting teachers’ overall wellbeing.

Why Returning to School Is So Challenging for Teachers

During summer break, teachers get a much-needed pause from lesson planning, grading, staff meetings, and daily classroom management. However, this break is often short-lived. As early as mid-July, many educators begin preparing their minds (and materials) for the year ahead.

Unlike other professions where transitions might be more gradual, teachers are often expected to hit the ground running. New curricula, administrative demands, and shifting student needs all add to the pressure. This abrupt change can be mentally exhausting, creating the perfect storm for stress, anxiety, and burnout.

The Impact on Teacher’s Mental Wellbeing

A teacher’s role goes far beyond delivering lessons. They're mentors, counsellors, and role models—often managing not only their own lives but also the emotional wellbeing of their students. When teachers neglect their own mental health, it affects their ability to support others effectively.

Common struggles teachers report during the back-to-school routine include:

  • Sleep disruptions as anxiety about the school year builds.

  • Increased workload from lesson planning and administrative tasks.

  • Imposter syndrome, especially among newer teachers or those changing grade levels.

  • Emotional fatigue, especially when working in under-resourced schools.

It’s essential to acknowledge these challenges and create space for open conversations about teacher’s mental wellbeing.

The Gender Gap: Men's Mental Health in the Teaching Profession

While all teachers face challenges, there is a growing need to address men's mental health in education. Teaching, especially in early education, is often viewed as a female-dominated profession. This can create isolation for male teachers, who may feel less comfortable speaking about mental health struggles due to lingering societal stigmas.

Men in education may feel pressured to maintain a strong or stoic persona, avoiding vulnerability even when they're under significant stress. Encouraging inclusive conversations about mental health matters and creating safe spaces for male educators to share their experiences, can help break down these barriers.

Support networks—whether formal mentorship programs or peer groups—can offer a lifeline. When male teachers feel seen and supported, they are more likely to seek help when needed and contribute to a culture of openness.

Tips for Navigating the Back-to-School Transition

Supporting teacher’s mental wellbeing during this period requires intentional strategies and support from school leadership, peers, and the teachers themselves. Here are some practical tips for making the transition smoother:

1. Ease Back into Routine

Avoid diving headfirst into the school year. If possible, use the week before school starts to slowly reintroduce structure. Wake up earlier, plan meals, and set time aside for self-care. This can help ease the shock of the back-to-school routine.

2. Set Boundaries Early

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Choose a time each evening when you'll stop checking emails or grading. Setting these limits from the start can prevent burnout down the line.

3. Talk About Mental Health

Remember that mental health matters. Whether it’s in a staff meeting or informal chat in the teacher’s lounge, speaking openly about stress and anxiety helps normalize the conversation—and might encourage someone else to seek help.

4. Use Available Resources

Many school districts offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that include mental health support. Consider scheduling a session with a therapist before stress levels peak.

5. Create a Support System

Lean on your fellow educators. Share lesson plans, collaborate on classroom management ideas, or simply check in on each other. A strong support network can make all the difference.

Why Schools Must Prioritize Teacher Wellbeing

Teachers are the backbone of the education system, yet they are often under-supported. Schools that prioritize mental health initiatives—like mindfulness training, mental health days, and open-door policies with leadership—see improvements not just in staff wellbeing, but also in student outcomes.

Making teacher’s mental wellbeing a priority sends a clear message: mental health is just as important as academic performance. When educators are mentally and emotionally supported, they can show up more fully for their students and their communities.

 

As we head into another school year, it's vital to remember that mental health matters—especially for those on the front lines of education. The back-to-school routine is not just a logistical shift; it's a mental and emotional adjustment that deserves attention and compassion.

Let’s continue to support our teachers—not just with supplies or curriculum changes—but with empathy, understanding, and the mental health resources they truly need. Whether it's advocating for better policies or simply checking in with a colleague, every small action contributes to a healthier school environment.

And let’s not forget to shine a light on men’s mental health, reminding all educators that it's okay to not be okay—and that support is always available.

If you or a teacher you know is struggling with the thought of returning to the classroom or seems overwhelmed once school begins, know that help is out there. Don’t hesitate to contact a licensed mental health professional to see how they can help you feel your best. You can start on that journey today.

Next
Next

The Struggle is Real: Navigating the Back-to-School Transition