Early childhood education is a field filled with reward and purpose, but it can also come with unique stresses that lead to burnout. Taking care of young learners means showing up every day with focus and patience—and that requires self-care for teachers themselves. Two new resources from Teachers College Press offer guidance on how early childhood educators can better manage stress, build resilience, and nurture well-being, benefiting both educators and the children in their care.
Addressing Stress with Self-Compassion: A Guide for Early Childhood Teachers by David P. Barry
David P. Barry’s interactive guide is crafted to help early childhood educators—particularly those just entering the field—learn the power of self-compassion as a tool to manage stress effectively. With a focus on developing resilience during teacher education programs, Barry’s book encourages preservice educators to build healthy stress-management skills before entering the classroom. The guide includes:
Research-based insights on the importance of self-compassion for managing teacher stress.
Practical prompts to help teachers reflect on and address common challenges.
Techniques for fostering self-compassion, which can be crucial in achieving higher job satisfaction and reducing burnout.
This resource is invaluable for early care and education students, teacher educators, and administrators looking to integrate stress-management support into their programs.
Teacher Well-Being in Early Childhood: A Resource for Early Care and Education Professionals by Angela C. Baum and Kerrie L. Schnake, with Eva Marie Shivers
In Teacher Well-Being in Early Childhood, Angela C. Baum, Kerrie L. Schnake, and Eva Marie Shivers dive into the factors that impact the well-being of early childhood educators. This book takes a holistic look at teacher well-being, exploring its impact not only on educators but also on the quality of education they provide to young children. Key features include:
Guidance on integrating well-being practices into both preservice and in-service learning environments.
Discussions on the link between educator well-being, equity, and social justice.
Real-life examples of well-being programs across the United States, illustrating how positive policy and practices can support educators.
This comprehensive resource is ideal for anyone invested in creating a culture of well-being within early childhood education.
For more on these books and additional self-care strategies for educators, check out the Teachers College Press blog: Self-Care and Compassion for Early Childhood Educators.
Prioritizing self-care is not just about sustaining educators; it’s about creating a thriving environment for young learners as well. Whether you’re a preservice educator, a seasoned professional, or an administrator, these resources provide valuable insights into fostering a culture of well-being that benefits both teachers and children alike.