Trauma can occur through life-threatening events and times where one feels out of control. Now, that isn't the only way people experience trauma. People can experience residual effects of trauma second handily from someone experiencing trauma as well. This often occurs in the classroom where teachers learn of students trauma and want to help support and/or does support students - this interaction creates secondary trauma, also known as "compassion trauma (Preservice Teacher Burnout, Coaching for Teacher Resilience During Covid-19). Approximately, 50% of teachers are expected to experience secondary trauma (National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2016). When someone experiences trauma, even secondary, there may be negative repercussions that could affect social, personal, and work life. Also, if teachers are practicing self-care then they may be less likely to re-traumatize students, as well as, encourage safety and consistence in the classroom. Patience can be a wonderful tool in helping students learn social emotional and academic skills. If teachers are tired and overworked, their patience may wane and their support for students may lessen. This is why self-care is important so we can support the needs of student who have experienced adverse experiences in proper and respected ways.

Additionally, if teachers model self-care and show the balance between self-care and professional effectiveness, it shows students the importance of prioritizing self-care in the workplace and life (Jill Anderson). As educators, all our time and energy is given to support the needs of our students. We need to make sure that we can take time to check in with ourselves and "fill" our cups up so we can continue to be the best we can for our students. Our mental health is important and we can't help others until we help ourselves. About 50% of teachers in the first five years of teaching leave the profession due to burn out (Kim, S., Crooks, C.V., Bax, K. et al.). Teacher burn-out is real and has only been accentuated by the Covid Pandemic. Try and create your own self-care plan for the week to take time to do the things you love. Only then can you be there fully for your students. Please check out some examples of self-care to revitalize our energy.