SIOUX CITY, IA (Jan. 3, 2022)—Are you feeling a sense of disillusionment this time of year? You are definitely not alone. According to Ellen Moir (2011) research, first-year teachers feel a sense of disillusionment starting around the end of October through mid-January. Disillusionment is happening for many educators, not just our first-year teachers. Moir suggests emotional and instructional support can benefit educators at times of disillusionment. If you are feeling a need for emotional support, you can bet others are, too.
The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network created a 10-module curriculum to enhance Adult Resilience for Educators (ARC). Informed by evidence-based practices, ARC inspires educators to obtain effective support, identify ineffective support, create action plans, and define ways to overcome barriers.
Module 5 (Connecting Meaninfully with Others) highlights some steps we can take to ignite connections and create emotional support. Humans naturally thrive when they connect with others. Small actions can create connection and emotional support at critical times. Examples may include: notes of gratitude, volunteering, telling someone you are thinking of them, complimenting someone, listening to someone with an active ear, making a meal for someone, letting someone into your traffic lane, or smiling at someone at a store. Your efforts may be be what someone else needs and it will also create a feeling of happiness in your heart.
A statement from the 2021 Midwest PBIS conference reminds us, we must move from "self-care" to "collective care." Several members at the Northwest AEA SEBH team have been trained to provide this support to our local educators. Please reach out to Jennifer Collins or Theresa Dehn if you would like additional information.
Here are some upcoming webinars to help address educator mental health:
Understanding Compassion Fatigue & Burnout | Tuesday, Jan. 4 | 12-1 pm CST
Does compassion cause suffering? When does it go too far and how can caregivers protect their own wellbeing? Learn the warning signs, who is at risk, and how to restore your emotional energy with a licensed therapist. Register here.
Communication Do's and Dont's | Thursday, Jan. 6 | 12-1 pm CST
Understanding how mental health impacts thinking and behavior helps to reduce frustration and stress and improves outcomes for everyone. Learn simple tools to manage conflict and express feelings to that you are heard with a licensed therapist. Register here.
I Don't Need Help: Supporting People Who Can't See Their Mental Illness | Wednesday, Jan. 12 | 12-1 pm CST
Why do people sometimes reject help? Discuss the reasons why people refuse mental healthcare and how to respond and cope in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist. Register here.
Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Management, and Prevention | Thursday, Jan. 13 | 12-1 pm CST
The term "stress" is used loosely in our culture. What does it really mean and how vulnerable are you? Understand the biology of stress and explore realistic and practical ways to manage distress in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist. Register here.
###
With offices in Cherokee, Denison, Le Mars, Onawa, Sioux Center, and Sioux City, Northwest Area Education Agency (AEA) works in partnership with public and accredited private schools in a 10-county area of northwest Iowa to help assure that all children reach their full potential. The AEA provides special education support services, media and technology services, a variety of instructional services, professional development and leadership to promote school improvement. The Iowa General Assembly created the state’s AEA system in 1975. It is widely regarded as one of the finest in the country. For more information about Northwest AEA, visit www.nwaea.org.