The impact teachers do beyond classrooms and the difference self-care can make Demonstrating the balanced acts between supporting students and teachers taking care of themselves

Malaz Dhirar

The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates and the great teacher inspires. A quote that stresses the importance of teachers and the kind of difference they can make. Any teacher could just let their job begin and end with the class. But it takes a special one to reach the true depths of their job.

While teaching is certainly a fulfilling profession, like any other job, it can be draining as well. Teachers have to take care of themselves just like they do their students. Anyone would need time to relax and recharge, it helps prevent burnout and even energizes them to get back to work better than ever. 

Effects of caring for students

People become teachers for any number of reasons but in the end, it’s only when they commit to the cause that they come to truly understand the job. Teaching can have far reaching effects beyond the classroom. Great teachers want their students to thrive and be happy in life. Those who do go through the extra effort to reach out to students can help them become more comfortable and secure in class while granting teachers a deeper understanding of the students (1)(2). 

Such teachers truly make an impression on their students, who will eventually remember them more than the subject they taught. Investing in students and building connections with them establishes trust, going a long way in building a happy classroom environment and eventually, better results. A great teacher makes no secret of showing they care. Positive reinforcement for students, feedback, meeting with parents and asking about their well-being out of class, even remembering their birthdays. All these are ways to show students how a teacher treasures them, so they know that their life and not only their grades, truly do matter. 

Effects of self-care for teachers 

Just as teachers care for students, they must remember to watch out for themselves. Teachers are generally expected to give of themselves, no questions asked as their profession is regarded as selfless. Their busy schedules make it difficult to find time for self-care, so they dismiss it as unimportant but that’s not fair to them. A simple gesture like sleeping long enough or time for breakfast can go a long way (3)(4). 

Educators may be encouraged to focus their energy on others but one must not forget their importance. Self-care is important for teachers to maintain their health. In fact, teachers need emotional support much like students do, so they can air out concerns and get help with their struggles. A good way to start would be writing what they’re grateful for, going on walks, connecting with loved ones or just doing something they enjoy. Practicing self-care may not be easy but is most certainly worth it, it helps prevent burnout and relieve stress. This also helps with building self-care into their classroom, which helps impart its value to students (6)(7). 

Teachers are truly selfless people who can really make a difference in numerous lives. But at the end of the day, they’re still people just like anyone else. It’s important to remember that and appreciate them for the lengths they go for others. Just imagine, what would a world without these benevolent figures even be like?