A GRACEful Way to Combat Teacher Burnout

11/15/2016

A GRACEful Way to Combat Teacher Burnout

When you succeed, don’t forget the responsibility of making somebody else succeed with you.
Antonia Novello, Pediatrician and first Hispanic US Surgeon General

"The teaching profession has become more demanding over the past three decades. Increasing numbers of children are coming to school unprepared, many with serious behavior problems as early as preschool. Research indicates that teachers often face situations that provoke emotions that are difficult to manage... they may experience emotional exhaustion, provoking a 'burnout cascade,'" states Patricia Jennings in "A Happier Day At School" from the October 2015 edition of Mindful magazine.

Jennings offers a way of combating "stressful situations... with challenging students, demanding parents, or colleagues who have differing views" by following a practice called GRACE. Developed by Joan Halifax for nurses and adapted for teachers, Jennings describes the practice this way:

"G is for 'Gathering your attention.' Pause and focus your attention on your body, whether your breath or the sensation of your feet on the ground...

R is for 'Recall your intention,' that is, your reason for being a teacher. This will help you align your behavior with your values and reignite your motivation...

A is for 'Attune to yourself, your body, heart and mind before you attune to those around you'...

C is for 'Consider what will serve your student or colleagues'...

E is for 'Enacting and ending'... applying principled compassion in service of others. The final step is a conclusion... time to acknowledge inwardly... what transpired and move on, letting go of any lingering feelings that may keep you from being fully present for the next situation."

Explore Resources for Creating Natural Outdoor Environments

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.