Considering the amount of time spent with their students, teachers play a critical role in their development.
Or, take on the role of confidant for the teenager struggling with something in their personal life.
Or, maybe theyre the only person in a child’s life whoencourages them to reach their goals.
I feel like Im doing the most all the time.
In discussions Brown had with her coworkers, shes not alone in feeling this way.
Not only hasteaching online been a challengebut trying to keep students engaged has also been a battle.
Were competing withTikTok [and] Instagram.
Were competing with everything thats happening in the [students] house, says Brown.
Losing friendsthat were her age and youngertook a toll on her mental health.
Julie also recently made the difficult decision to quit teaching.
The time this interview was conducted happened to be the final week of her five-year-long teaching career.
Julie K.
The reason Im leaving is exactly because of my mental health.
Because of that, she cant wait to retire.
Long Hours & Securing Supplemental Income
The workday doesnt end when teachers get home.
My night continues [after work] with grading and phone calls, she says.
She also tutors and chaperones school events for extra money.
Our [teachers] salaries often cannot suffice to raise a family, especially in New York.
Teaching in person during a pandemic is frightening, says Maverick.
Being in the dark about students vaccinations and not knowing if his students wear masks on weekends was concerning.
Despite this, he acknowledges that doing so is still much safer.
They were also pressured to share their feelings, opinions, and personal experiences with colleagues."
Moreover, teachers of color can connect with BIPOC students in a unique way.
She uses these discussions to ask her students if weve really made progress in addressing and combating racism.
Michele U.
She has a deep understanding ofNative American intergenerational traumaand noticed that Native students feel more comfortable with Native teachers.
Native students are more open with Native teachers.
It’s the connection they feel or knowing we’re from the same tribe."
Finding aculturally competent therapistis often important to BIPOC patients seeking care.
Lets say a woman is in an arranged marriage, you might feel odd talking about that.
Not only does this impact their own well-being but those of their students.
A 2019 study showed that poorer teacher mental health had a negative impact on their students' well-being.
We have a lack of resources on the reservation for mental healthcare.
As a Cantonese-American, growing up, Julie K. said she was taught to only rely on herself.
Dr. Bhavaraju, says that talking about mental health in her culture isnt so common.
Its not something that we do.
Another way schools offer mental health support is through counseling services.
In Browns district, mental health support is a priority.
There were approximately 3,145 mental health-related school closures in the 2021 school year.
The students, however, do get mental health days.
The kids have a mental health day a quarter.
Chris Maverick
If I take the day off from teaching, theres no class that day.
So, the problem with taking a day off from teaching is, it actually makes it worse.
By creating a self-care plan, educators can identify resources and skills that promoteresiliency.
[I] shower first, then soak in the tub.
I like to use my favorite bath bombs, salts, and light a candle.
Making mental health days commonplace and ensuring that teachers have access to mental health services should be a priority.
“Specialized support is needed for BIPOC educators affected by racial injustice and the pandemic.
I sincerely hope this need will be acknowledged and met with sensitivity, care, and compassion.”
Artwork by Alex Dos Diaz
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