
Whilst some stress is an inevitable aspect of being an educator, high and persistent levels of stress can take its toll and affect our quality of teaching. Moreover, the impact of stress on young minds can be debilitating and significantly hinder student outcomes.
Learning which stress management strategies work for you can help you take charge of your own wellbeing – and spot the signs of excessive stress within your classroom.
Embracing AI for workload reduction
Workload reduction is a core component of any stress management strategy for teachers. Whilst the use of AI in the classroom continues to be debated, data in support of its use for lesson planning has recently emerged.
A recent trial of using ChatGPT to support lesson and resource preparation in Key Stage 3 Science found that lesson planning time could be reduced by as much as 31% (Education Endowment Fund, 2024). Importantly, the lesson plans produced by both the trial group and the control group had “no noticeable difference” in quality.
We encourage you to clarify your school’s AI policy before adopting it as part of your lesson planning routine.
Increased confidence through professional development
In some cases, stress can develop when a teacher feels that they do not have the tools or strategies required to deal with specific classroom situations e.g. behaviour beyond low-level disruption.
As an early career teacher, part of the ECF entitlement is access to one-to-one mentoring from an experienced colleague. We’d encourage you to take advantage of these sessions to identify any CPD requirements that can help increase your confidence and reduce any anxiety.
You can read our article for more tips about your development as a teacher beyond the Early Career Framework.
Sparking a renewed culture of wellbeing
Even as an early career teacher you are making a significant impact, and you have the power to influence the culture in your setting. It can really help to know that other teachers have experienced similar challenges to those you might be facing. And likewise, it can be such a morale boost to celebrate your successes together, so don’t be silent!
The more you share, the stronger your support networks become and the better they can serve your wellbeing. These networks can include:
- direct colleagues within your department
- your ECF provider and your in-school mentor
- the Future Teaching Scholars team
- other ECTs at your school, or your fellow Scholars.
Helping students to get exam-ready
Helping students to build exam-specific skills can help reduce stress and anxiety through familiarity and feeling more supported. This might include:
- different types of revision techniques
- familiarisation with the exam room and exam conditions
- exam paper layout including any resource or formulae booklets
- timekeeping advice and tips.
When motivating students to revise, aim to use positive phrasing wherever possible. For example: rather than suggesting that a student aspiring to become a doctor might not get into medical school if they don’t revise, you could instead say that revision will bring them another step closer to medical school.
The FTS team continues to support Scholars and their needs for the rest of this academic year. Our team is available to provide advice and guidance if you are feeling excessive levels of stress. Get in touch with us by emailing info@futureteachingscholars.com; we’re here to help.