When I was at home with my kids during the pandemic, we started a tradition of taking a walk around a different trail each week. Along the way, I had my family use their phones to capture unique photos while on the trail. Each one of us chose one photo from the walk that we liked the most, and I posted these photos on social media to allow our friends to vote on the winning piece.
We did this every week, and I was so surprised to see how talented my children were within these simple guidelines…how one zoomed in on one leaf to capture the beauty that we often miss, or how one figured out a way to take a photo underwater. Not only was it a fun activity, but it became a way to release, become closer, to take in the surroundings, to practice creativity in a new way, and to breathe in the fresh air.
ICS Staff enjoy a free demo Pilates class taught by one of our parents during this year's "Six Weeks of Self Care"
As teachers, we know the power of innovation to help our students learn. We plan hands-on learning, facilitate field experiences beyond the classroom, try new activities, give space for reflection, and use strategies like pair and share. Just as I did when my own children were home, teachers consistently demonstrate their creativity in planning activities all the time for students in their care, but rarely do they take the initiative to do it for themselves.
I currently work as the HR Manager at ICS, and an essential part of my operations role is to focus on the mental and physical well-being of our staff. We understand that if our teachers are supplied with outlets to speak to someone, to refresh, and to reset, then they can provide the social and emotional support our students need.
This is our third annual recognition of Six Weeks of Self-Care. During this program, spanning from October to mid-November before fall break, ICS hosts a variety of activities for our staff that will expand the mind and give teachers the space to relax.
Mobile carts of snacks, both heathly and sweet, are always a hit event with our staff! We roll from classroom to classroom throughout the day to surprise staff without them having to leave their students!
The first week, we had a healthy snack cart funded through Publix. They provided healthy snacks for our teachers, who appreciated the midday pick-me-up. Kroger donated items needed to provide a tea cart for our staff. Our benefits company provided a gift card for us to purchase additional healthy snacks for November as well.
One day, a local pet therapy organization, Happy Tails, came to campus for our staff to enjoy and get some decompressing time with a few of their trained therapy dogs. We also enjoyed Pilates taught by one of our wonderful parents!
Most recently, we turned our HR Office into a spa experience. One of our staff members donated circulation therapy treatments and massages from her med-spa company. Even just some low lighting, music, and aromatherapy can create a peaceful experience, and we had several teachers find the time to step out even just for a couple of minutes to enjoy the sensory break. I’m most looking forward to recreating my family photography nature walks on our own ICS trail with staff after school during this wonderful fall weather.
The Six Weeks of Self-Care Program is simple to replicate in other schools and organizations. To begin, think of the best resources to pull within your school or organization community itself.
- Send out an interest form amongst staff to see what ideas they have for potential activities!
- Use resources within your school first and create a plan around those for your six weeks. Do you have parents who are workout instructors, artists, or therapists who could help facilitate a self care activity? Do any of your teachers happen to teach dance or want to lead a sports activity?
- Respect employee’s time: middle of the week and end of the day activities tend to do best for our staff, who like to get an early start on their weekends.
- Some activities require no preparation! for example, hold a weekly moment of silence before school!
- Reach out to your partners to see who can support you (local stores, healthcare providers, gym memberships, step trackers). There are sure to be organizations in your community who will join you in your goal of helping teachers or staff find their zen.
If your organization doesn’t have the bandwidth to put on a six-week long program of their own, you can still be intentional in creating a personal self-care journey. As the weather gets colder and the school year gets busier, set six weeks for yourself and set space for “me time,” and try to get creative. Each week can be a different event or you can duplicate some of your favorites. Take yourself on a bike ride or picnic, pack a fresh or healthy lunch for work, initiate a date with some friends at a local restaurant or even take yourself to catch a movie.
We’d love to hear your own ideas for how to prioritize yourself in a service-oriented career field! How do you care for yourself as an educator?
Sharene Smith is in her second year at International Community School serving as the Business Manager over Personnel, Budgeting and Purchasing. Those familiar with our school may recognize her friendly face from her time as the Registrar in the 2022-23 school year! She is an expert in all things Charter School Operations, having worked in operations and development roles previously at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools and Wesley International Academy.
