Teacher Impact and Self-Care

Teachers are essential to educating students about substance misuse and can make a huge difference in the lives of youth. According to one study, teacher-student connection results in students perceiving a greater risk in substance use. During COVID, students who had teacher connection and support used more positive coping methods. Teachers can make a lasting impact in the lives of their students both in and outside of the classroom. 

Teachers who challenge students while demonstrating care and support have a high potential to shape teen decisions when it comes to substance use. A teacher can also build trust by becoming a mentor to students. This means developing trust between the teacher and student and being a consistent adult in their life. This will create more of an influence on the student’s life outside of school. 

Being an important role model in the lives of youth can be draining. Teachers may experience burnout, making self-care an essential preventative factor. Setting time aside for self-care can help teachers be at their best when they are with their students. This should be a daily practice rather than a reaction to feelings of burnout. Done properly, self-care can prepare teachers for more draining days and weeks. Self-care can also be modeled for students and incorporated into the classroom. Teachers have a unique opportunity to impact students and play a key role in shaping their lives. 

Some examples of self-care: 

• Getting 8 hours of sleep every night 

• Keeping a daily journal 

• Having a daily hobby, like walking or having creative time 

• Talking to a loved one 

• Regularly exercising 

• Eating healthily and adequately 

• Listening to impactful music 

• Spending time in nature 

• Practicing deep breathing exercises 

For more tips, continue to follow Safe and Sober blog posts and other available resources.