Supporting Teachers' Mental Health in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to teachers across the country, and these challenges have had an impact on the overall well-being of teachers. It was not uncommon for teachers to be faced with a lack of resources, leading to feelings of burnout, stress, and other negative emotions that impact teachers’ work. This issue has inspired our group to develop an action plan to provide potential solutions to alleviate the consequences of events, such as the pandemic or other far-reaching crises, and expand mental health support to high school teachers. Among other resources, many teachers look to their leaders and colleagues for additional support in the workplace. Based on interviews and empirical research, our action plan provides teachers with ways to develop positive and informed leadership styles for a variety of situations and a framework for mentorship which can begin to improve the resources for mental health for teachers.