The priority at Radiant Wave is to provide teachers with top quality programs that will ultimately enhance self care and wellbeing in and out of the school.
Schools have become intricate organizations and institutions with vast ruling bodies, a plethora of specialist lessons, and extraordinary curriculum development. Because of this – teaching is a far more complex profession and the demands higher than ever.
Our communities have changed dramatically over the past few decades. Now we can assume as educators that only a small margin of our students have extensive social support. It is more common for parents to be increasingly isolated because of where they live, both parents working, and a decrease in the amount of in-person socializing.
This shift in our societies is placing even more pressure on teachers to answer to the increase in student's anxiety and learning disorders. The lack of physical exercise out of school, and active supervision of what children are experiencing through online platforms is at times creating greater difficulties for teachers within the classroom.
So how – as teachers – can we take care of ourselves through all of the pressures within the job and changes within society?
Radiant Wave Wellbeing seeks to give simple and effective workshops for teachers that will have lasting effects in and out of the classroom.
6 Benefits of Investing in School Staff Wellbeing
The following is from an article published by the Department for Education (DfE), put together by an Expert Advisory Group of Education Staff Wellbeing in the UK (2019).
Staff are less stressed
Investing in school staff wellbeing and creating an environment that prioritises mental health and wellbeing can significantly reduce stress levels and reduce the risk of burnout.
Improved job satisfaction
Wellbeing services in schools can help:
- Promote collaboration
- Cultivate a culture of appreciation
- Provide opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Fostering teacher autonomy
Increased retention
Improved education staff retention is an advantage of investing in school staff wellbeing that can reap economic benefits. Making genuine investments in teacher wellbeing can help maintain a healthy and supportive school environment and increase feelings of happiness for all.
Improved staff performance
Much like their pupils, teachers benefit from quality learning opportunities and access to support mechanisms. Another indication that investing in wellbeing improves staff performance stems from Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory. This indicates that teachers' cognitive wellbeing is closely associated with their belief in their ability to succeed.
Better pupil outcomes
Teachers' working conditions affect pupil academic attainment. The results – after reviewing 30 research papers undertaken by the Teacher Development trust - confirms that teacher wellbeing can have a substantial effect on pupil outcomes. Of particular interest to school leaders are evidence that the role school leaders play in fostering workplace conditions is crucial.
Improved pupil behaviour
Classroom management can be a challenge for teachers of all ages at all stages of their careers. When wellbeing is low and staff are at risk of burnout, it becomes even more difficult. A teacher's mindset can have profound effects on student behaviour. This is perhaps the greatest reason why a teacher's wellbeing is of utmost importance for the children and school. When a teacher is thriving, the class is thriving. The wellbeing of teaching staff, as all school leaders know, is top priority.
Quality outside service providers can take a load off of administrators and give teachers a fresh perspective on each day, each student, and themselves – ensuring that the school is a bright and happy place for all.