By Natalie Irons, Associate Director, Instructional Coaching, UCLA Center X
I am working towards a certificate in trauma and learning and my study group is discussing well-being in schools, particularly with the adults in service of students, primarily teachers and administrators. We are discovering that wellness is a large topic, spanning healthcare and rippling into school systems in supportive, and sometimes not so support ways. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends that “Schools are an ideal place to provide mental and behavioral health services to children and youth.” Knowing that all adults are models for students, it is imperative that the adults feel resourced to have the knowledge, access and understanding of these types of services. So, what might this have to do with the role of being a coach?
Coaches, those with the unique title of coach, have the ears and eyes both in classrooms and out, to recognize and listen for needs, like a teacher looking for support with a distraught student. And, for those school personnel who have other titles and can choose to coach, they may also have a unique opportunity to observe for areas in their system where they can support by connecting services to both adults and students.
From a recent conversation with a CA Physician Assistant, here are some considerations in listening for well-being in your systems:
- Stress management
- Emotional and physical health
- Support w/ the above
And, some areas that might extend beyond school to influence the learning environment:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Relationships and connections w/ people
As you think about your own well-being, how might these components be a way to frame a sense of well-being for yourself? And, how might these be areas of influence within your systems?
Take care and be well!