We’ve all heard the word “burnout” a lot more frequently than before the pandemic. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Sound familiar? Those among the most affected by burnout besides medical professionals are our teachers. As a way to start addressing the source of the problem, DEF recently established a pilot program to provide health coaching to teachers at Decatur High School.
Jodi Goldfarb, owner of Intown Coaching and a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, is heading up the health coaching sessions. She works with her clients, usually over a period of months, to help them make positive and lasting changes in their lives. Since the start of the program, 11 teachers have begun sessions, and six have continued with regularly weekly sessions.
“The common theme among my clients across disciplines and not just among teachers is ‘burnout’,” she said. “The takeaway is really individualized. However, putting themselves back on their long to-do lists is definitely a priority for many of my clients.”
These sessions can be done via zoom and check-ins can be via text or whatever method works best for teachers to fit them into their busy days. “Ideally I like to work weekly for three months to establish habits, address obstacles, and provide accountability and really hone in on the value of reaching these goals,” she said.
Dianne Andrée, student success director at the DHS Decatur Student Center thinks that it’s a great program. “Jody has good clinical skills which make her clients feel heard,” she said. “My colleagues are stressed and need opportunities to focus on their health and wellbeing.”
Historically, DEF has funded pilot programs which sometimes get picked up by the school or district. “While there is no expectation that a school will adopt a program, these pilots allow school administrators to see what works and what doesn’t,” said DEF Executive Director Gail Rothman. “Whether this pilot will continue is unclear, but we always want our teachers to know that we see how hard their jobs are and we want them to take care of themselves.”
Burnout is real, as is our need for teachers who can be fully present for our students. DEF will continue to seek out ways to best support our teachers, our students and our community.
