Teacher, Take Care

Teaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. Through stories by diverse educators, this professional resource invites you to try different wellness strategies, explore varying perspectives, and consider new ideas of what it means to “be well.”

Teaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. Stress management. Self-care. Mental well-being. Mindfulness. These words have become all too familiar, but what do they actually mean for you? And how can they help without adding to your to-do list?

All teachers have different experiences and different needs. Through stories by diverse educators, this professional resource invites you to try different wellness strategies, explore varying perspectives, and consider new ideas of what it means to “be well.”

Grounded in servant leadership and a holistic model, each chapter connects to Indigenous perspectives of wellness through remarks from Elder Stanley Kipling and Knowledge Keeper Richelle North Star Scott.

Contents

Blessing Elder Stan Kipling

Introduction Shannon Gander and Richelle North Star Scott

1. The Evolution of Teacher, Take Care Jennifer Lawson

2. Permission to Be Well Laura Doney and Dana Fulwiler

3. Making Sense of Mindfulness Keith MacPherson

4. Restoring the Circle: One Indigenous Perspective on Wellness Lisa Dumas Neufeld

5. Physical Well-Being: Caring for Our Bodies With Compassion, Not By Comparison Megan Hunter

6. Just Breathe: Strategies for Well-Being Cher Brasok

7. Finding Joy(ce): My Journey From Burnout to Wisdom and Well-Being Joyce Sunada

8. Building Relationships for Well-Being Jennifer Lawson, with Shannon Gander, Lisa Dumas Neufeld, and Kelsey McDonald

9. Arts-Based Wellness: Creative Strategies for Care Jackie Gagne

10. Bringing Our Voices Together: Classroom Wellness for All Monika Rosney and Richelle North Star Scott

11. Thank You for Being a Friend: A Story of Collegial Support Kelsey McDonald

12. The Principal’s Principles: School Leadership for Staff Well-Being Sandra Melo

13: An Invitation for Leaders in Education: Creating Psychologically Safe Work Environments Jennifer Lawson, with Megan Hunter, Shannon Gander, and Kelsey McDonald

Conclusion Jennifer Lawson