Stress and schools

Q: Is there much stress in school jobs?

A: Absolutely. Aside from the obvious tensions of working in often dilapidated buildings, in high crime areas and with a bureaucracy that can be unforgiving and unhelpful, some educators face the dangers of drugs, weapons and vandalism. On any given day stress may come from paperwork, disruptive youngsters, difficulties with a supervisor or violence in school. Worse, many educators feel that they have no opportunity to make their ideas known to policy makers, and have no control over their professional lives.

But there are more subtle forces at work. You must give your maximum attention to your students. This can mean that so much of your energy goes to dealing with their physical, mental and social ills that little time or energy remains for yourself. Brown University found more stress-related illnesses among people whose jobs involve significant responsibility for the well-being of others.

Q: Is the stress level in certain grade levels higher than others, and are some school jobs more stressful than others?

A: All educators experience some sort of stress and tension unique to their assignments, but they also share many stressors in common. No one is immune.

Q: What, then, is the best way for educators to keep their cool?

A: Research indicates a three-step approach: Verbalize your feelings, plan your week to allow for periodic relaxation and establish an exercise routine.

Q: To whom should I verbalize my feelings?

A: First figure out what is really causing your stress. If it’s a person, make sure you know his or her nature. Ideally you should talk out a conflict with the person who is causing it, but this isn’t always possible. So try talking to a colleague, writing a letter that you don’t intend to mail, or (as a last resort if you’re alone in your room), talk to an empty chair. Whatever you do, do something to release the tension.

Q: You say I should plan relaxation periods, but how can I do that in school?

A: Relaxation means doing anything that will let you take your mind off your problems. At the beginning of a prep period or during lunch you might want to listen to music, walk around the block, stretch or read a book. There are tapes you can play that are designed to help you relax. You can utilize commuting time to give yourself a break.

Q: What about exercise? I’m no athlete.

A: This booklet provides a series of easy stretches that will do the trick. Read on.

Q: What if working conditions are creating my stress?

A: Work with your UFT chapter. Together, you and your colleagues have the power to bring substantial changes to your situation in school. Much can be done just by increasing communication within your building, particularly with the administration. Also, by using the School-Based Option provision that the UFT negotiated into your contract, your chapter can make changes in class size; teacher schedules; and rotation of assignments, classes and paid coverages.