Description
Book SynopsisTeaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. Stress management. Self-care. Mental well-being. Mindfulness. These words have become all too familiar, but what do they actually mean for you? And how can they help without adding to your to-do list?
All teachers have different experiences and different needs. Through stories by diverse educators, this professional resource invites you to try different wellness strategies, explore varying perspectives, and consider new ideas of what it means to “be well.”
Grounded in servant leadership and a holistic model, each chapter connects to Indigenous perspectives of wellness through remarks from Elder Stanley Kipling and Knowledge Keeper Richelle North Star Scott.
Trade ReviewThe guide, created by teachers for teachers, includes self-care tips, strategies to spot burnout warning signs and support colleagues, and ideas on implementing “psychologically safe work environments” based on national standards. Each chapter starts with a teacher’s personal story about their well-being challenges.
-- Maggie Macintosh * The Winnipeg Free Press *
If...your intention is to take better care of yourself, a new book...written specifically for teachers may be helpful. If you are feeling stressed and out of balance in your life, you will relate to the challenges faced by the contributors and will find practical strategies that they used for regaining balance. Exercises for reflecting and responding to the text appear frequently, and the use of the Indigenous Sacred Circle helps to ground the teachings in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual awareness.
-- Diana Mumford * Canadian Teacher Magazine *
Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens 2023, Ideal for Teachers
* CCBC *
Whether you are already feeling burnt out, or you are managing personal self-care, Teacher, Take Care is an excellent read to explore a variety of perspectives and consider what it means to “be well”.
* MB Teacher *
Table of ContentsContents
Blessing Elder Stan Kipling
Introduction Shannon Gander and Richelle North Star Scott
1. The Evolution of Teacher, Take Care Jennifer Lawson
2. Permission to Be Well Laura Doney and Dana Fulwiler
3. Making Sense of Mindfulness Keith MacPherson
4. Restoring the Circle: One Indigenous Perspective on Wellness Lisa Dumas Neufeld
5. Physical Well-Being: Caring for Our Bodies With Compassion, Not By Comparison Megan Hunter
6. Just Breathe: Strategies for Well-Being Cher Brasok
7. Finding Joy(ce): My Journey From Burnout to Wisdom and Well-Being Joyce Sunada
8. Building Relationships for Well-Being Jennifer Lawson, with Shannon Gander, Lisa Dumas Neufeld, and Kelsey McDonald
9. Arts-Based Wellness: Creative Strategies for Care Jackie Gagne
10. Bringing Our Voices Together: Classroom Wellness for All Monika Rosney and Richelle North Star Scott
11. Thank You for Being a Friend: A Story of Collegial Support Kelsey McDonald
12. The Principal’s Principles: School Leadership for Staff Well-Being Sandra Melo
13: An Invitation for Leaders in Education: Creating Psychologically Safe Work Environments Jennifer Lawson, with Megan Hunter, Shannon Gander, and Kelsey McDonald
Conclusion Jennifer Lawson
