World Mental Health Day is a vital moment for educators—not just to support children’s wellbeing, but to reflect on their own emotional health, professional identity, and the culture of care within their settings. The following article provides workplace ideas to support Educator's wellbeing.
Emotional Check-In Stations
- Set up a quiet corner with emotion cards, affirmations, and sensory tools.
- Invite educators to pause, reflect, and name their emotional state.
- Normalize emotional literacy and self-awareness in adult practice.
“What Grounds Me” Reflection Cards
- Prompts like:
- “A child moment that lifted me this week…”
- “A colleague who made me feel seen…”
- “A boundary I’m proud to hold…”
- Use for team meetings or private journaling.
Peer Kindness Wall
- Staff anonymously write affirmations or gratitude notes to each other.
- Display them in a shared space to foster connection and morale.
Micro-Moments of Mindfulness
- Introduce 2-minute breathing, grounding, or movement rituals between transitions.
- Embed wellbeing into the rhythm of the day, not just special occasions.
Professional Identity Affirmation
- Invite educators to complete the sentence:
“I am an educator who…” - Celebrate diverse strengths and values—especially in a sector often undervalued.
Leadership Actions That Matter
- Model vulnerability: Share your own wellbeing strategies and challenges.
- Protect planning time: Prioritise uninterrupted documentation and reflection space.
- Offer opt-in support: Normalise access to the director's open-door policy, supervision, or wellbeing check-ins.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge emotional labor, not just compliance.
Further Reading
Mental Health and Well Being Of Educators
Educational Leader Guide: Empowering Educator Well-Being
Free Educator Wellbeing Posters
Supporting Mental Health Of Children, Families and Educators
Positive Affirmations Posters