There are several misconceptions about teachers, including that they are on call 24/7. Because they teach, they should be available to parents and students at all hours.
And then there’s the notion that teachers take on the responsibility of raising kids during the school day. It’s their job to instill core values, act as therapists, and serve as doctors.
They’re expected to go home and raise their own children while marking papers and fielding unsolicited messages from uncompromising parents. But it’s totally fine. That’s what teachers do.
It’s not fine, and it’s not right to place the burden of tending to your child’s mental well-being on their educators. Teachers are not mental health counselors, and can’t wave their magic wand when Tim is feeling down. They are, however, the first to sense when something is wrong.
Teachers Need to ‘Care Less’
The problem with many teachers is that they care too much, sometimes to their own detriment. That’s not their fault. Caring is a default setting.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), educator burnout is pushing many out of the profession. Citing recent research, NEA reports that 78% of teachers have considered quitting since the pandemic. Managing student behavior accounts for 45% of job-related stress.
How does one take stress out of the equation? Experts suggest caring less. Not in an inhumane way, but more in terms of the demands placed on them. They carry the emotional weight of supporting students dealing with trauma and mental health challenges with little to no resources.
The Emotional Labor of Teaching
Teachers and Teaching published a paper in June 2024, which surveyed around 170. They found that educators experienced a range of emotions, from joy to stress to frustration.
Although the findings weren’t shocking, they posed the question: What strategies can be used to manage emotions in a school setting?
Teachers felt more emotionally in tune while teaching, yet experienced negative emotions when faced with competing demands and time constraints. The study suggested a need for supportive work environments, staff collaborations, and emotional regulation strategies.
An Actionable Solution
Not all public schools can afford a school counselor. They’re a rarity due to budget cuts and staff shortages and when it’s time to implement austerity measures, school counselors are the first to go.
Research by the American School Counselor Association shows the impact of school counselors on student development and success. They’ve been shown to help improve ACT and SAT scores and inform college decision-making.
That’s just scratching the surface. School counselors are adept at counseling and supporting diverse communities. Many individuals choose Master’s in School Counseling online programs to gain valuable knowledge. The remote-first option offers part-time programs with 100% online coursework.
The shortage of school counselors in U.S. schools is dire. Currently, about 68% of district directors report an insufficient number of counselors to fill available positions. In other words, the posts are there; they’re not being filled.
Further emphasizing the need, Walsh University says that careers for graduates holding a school counseling master’s degree are growing faster than the national average. Even better if it’s an accredited online school counseling program.
Teachers as First Responders
Educators are usually the first to notice a change in a student’s behavior. Findings published in the National Library of Medicine point to mental disorders, depression, and anxiety as the top precursors.
Teachers are not equipped to manage these issues. As first responders, they feel inadequate and ill-prepared. The study proposed that teachers receive training in child and adolescent mental health, early detection, and intervention.
Given the increasing demands on teachers to address the mental health of children, the study authors argued for an urgent review of mental health training for teachers.
The Way Forward
All students deserve the same educational opportunities. Teachers are in a unique position to bolster their achievements.
But if that teacher is bogged down in administrative tasks and bureaucracy, those students unfortunately fall through the cracks.
School counselors fill the gap. They ensure kids are seen and heard. They provide immediate support during a crisis. And yet, too often, their roles are overlooked in improving education.
The Responsibility of Always Caring
It’s hard to tell teachers to “care less.” If you work in the education system, you probably also struggle with establishing boundaries.
You’re not a therapist. You’re not a savior. What you are is human, and the best thing you can do for a troubled student is to get them the help they deserve.
Know when to refer a case to school counselors, psychologists, or other mental health professionals. Work with school support staff to create a comprehensive safety net.
Lastly, encourage your school to invest in mental health literacy, practical training, and stronger school-based support systems.
