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How to Respond when Teachers are Stressed Out

by Diana S. Khanagov
November/December 1997
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/how-to-respond-when-teachers-are-stressed-out/5011806/

We asked five child care center directors in Oklahoma City to talk about their strategies when a teacher's personal stress shows up on the job. Each contributed valuable advice according to their style of management. Although they shared different views, most noticed irritability with children and co-workers as a sign of stress. Their most common tactic was to point staff to community resources for counseling and help with problems.


Recognizing Stress

Charlotte Wood-Wilson, director of the Oklahoma City Community College Child Development Center, says, "First of all, recognize when someone is under stress. Besides changes in personality or shortness with others, a teacher may be irritable about small unresolved problems, such as a broken swing set on the playground."

She also points out, "There's a balance between the perception to notice when someone is under stress and simply reading a lot into every situation. When I recognize someone is stressed, I acknowledge it as soon as I can. I might say, 'Someone can cover for you while your children are outside. Why don't you take a break?' The question 'Is there something I can do for you?' seems to defuse the situation even though they always say no. If we know someone is going ...

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