Leading a Wellness Community

As we move out of 2019 and into the new decade of 2020, I reflect back on my past two years in leadership. A promise I made to myself when I became an administrator was to never forget what it was to be on the front lines in the classroom. Using this commitment, I hope that my staff sees the value I have for each of them and the value I have on their overall health and wellness. As an admin team, we do our best to show our staff appreciation. Just small random acts can brighten someones' day. What can you do? Coffee treats, packages of gum, healthy snacks really help. Every Wednesday, there's treats in our staff room just because.

Another great moral booster is to give a Gift of Time. Take over supervision, take two classes to the gym, offer to sit with a student to give support staff a break. There are all helpful ways to ensure staff wellness.

Here's how to ensure you are taking care of yourself throughout the busy workday. Have you taken a break? At least 30 minutes of time away from the hustle? During lunch or a break period, head out for the building and go for a walk and grab of coffee. Trust me, the kids will be fine! Or hit the staff room to visit with colleagues, but just don't fall into the negative venting as sometimes this will reverse the "break" outcome.

Another great tip I got from my physiotherapist. Take a tennis ball and place it on the wall. Then lean up against the wall with the tennis ball between your spine and your shoulderblade; move up and down for a minute or two; then repeat on the other shoulderblade. Find those "trigger spots" and roll them out.

How can an unhealthy staff member be expected to fulfill their role within our school community and take care of our tiny humans? It's like the safety airplane protocol...first you put the mask on yourself before you take care of anyone around you. So ensure your staff are taken care of, ensure your colleagues are all doing well. We are all working together to take care of each other so we can take care of our little people.

#tlap #teacherwellness