THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF SCHOOL LEADERS IN PROMOTING TEACHER MENTAL HEALTH

NORWEEN T. MALONZO

In the dynamic face that education landscape presents, teachers well-being is one of the key points or areas that need to give attention in a thriving school community. It should delve into the idea that school leaders play an essential role in the promotion of mental health among teachers, acknowledging its significance and impact both to educators and the overall learning environment. One of the roles of school leaders is to examine the common stressors and challenges being faced by teachers which are commonly in the forms of workload, student’s behavior, and other tasks required by the profession. By highlight the importance of recognizing that these issues are existing, a school leader can plan or take a step on how to overcome these challenges mounted in face of every teacher. One of the means on how to address these challenges is by recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of teachers. School leaders should find time in acknowledging the positive impact of gratitude on mental health and overall job satisfaction as this may determine the performance that teachers will manifest. Wellness programs, mindfulness sessions, or dedicated spaces for relaxation within the school can be some of the salient initiatives that school leaders may take part to help teachers. As a Master Teacher, curriculum and instructions should not be the only role that one must partake but contributing in the promotion of mental health among teachers.

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The author is Master Teacher

Elementary School

I at Marisol Bliss