Teacher wellbeing and returning to teaching in the shadow of COVID19 – dealing with anxiety

There is no doubt that COVID19 has had a dramatic impact on our lives as a whole and schools are most definitely at the centre of the ‘new normal’. It is also clear that without children returning to school, the rest of the economy will struggle to restart effectively. However, alongside that, there are competing issues that can increase the anxiety and fears amongst school staff.

If the children are to adapt effectively to the new situations and challenges, our systems have to ensure staff wellbeing is undertaken with equal priority.

One thing is for sure, this a new school year like no other and, consequently, teacher wellbeing has never been more important. The stress and strain of adapting to the blended learning approach, alongside provision for key workers’ children and vulnerable children, showed how draining this whole experience has already been for those working in schools. It is therefore vital that those planning school reopenings take into account the impact it will have on school staff. If the children are to adapt effectively to the new situations and challenges, our systems have to ensure staff wellbeing is undertaken with equal priority.