Coping With the Cost of Caring, Part 2: Individualized Strategies to Help PE and Health Teachers Persist

Abstract

A collective priority of teachers is to facilitate students in thriving academically, personally, and socially. However, the challenges associated with compassion fatigue (i.e., the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that comes with working with and caring for individuals who are impacted by distress and trauma) combined with personal and occupational stressors are quickly pushing teachers outside of the profession (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Until present educational systems are reformed in a way that provides relief to teachers, the second part of this series offers teachers guided opportunities to explore, personalize, and practice practical self-care strategies related to managing compassion fatigue and promoting overall well-being within the educational setting. Considering the personal, sociopolitical, and cultural limitations of practicing capitalistic self-care, the following guided activities include (a) self-awareness exercises that examine possible patterns of personal and contextual emotional distress; (b) the identification and promotion of protective factors that mitigate occupational stress including collegial social support and strengthening self-efficacy through defining and celebrating personal measures of success; (c) self-regulation strategies that relieve the stress response and enhance emotional resilience including deep breathing, and mindful self-compassion; and (d) planning for implementation inside the school setting. Teachers will reflect on techniques and strategies that best support their occupational well-being. Finally, implications in support of protecting teachers against compassion fatigue are discussed, including proactive recommendations for pre-service and early-career teachers. Additional resources that may assist teachers in seeking support for emotional well-being are included.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sierra Cordova

Sierra Cordova ([email protected]) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesology at California State University Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA.

Val Altieri

Val Altieri Jr. is an independent scholar in Waterbury, CT.

John McCarthy

John McCarthy is a clinical associate professor in the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development at Boston University in Boston, MA.

Robert Diehl

Robert Diehl is a counseling psychologist in private practice in Boulder, CO.