Self-Care and Coaching in Education - Viorica Barbu
Key Takeaways
Teachers report high levels of occupational stress and burnout
Self-care means combining well-being with work, not separating them
Coaching can help teachers explore beliefs around guilt for self-care
Setting boundaries and having difficult conversations are key for managing workload
Peer coaching among teachers could provide support
Topics
Teacher Burnout and Well-being
IB research shows teachers have high stress/burnout compared to other professions
Factors like workload, lack of recognition, class size contribute
Teachers asked how to avoid guilt for self-care, say no to extra work, get efforts recognized
Self-Care Mindset
Reframe self-care as combining well-being with work, not separating them
Listen to body's needs, practice joy of missing out (JOMO)
Self-care is not selfish - it allows you to show up fully
Coaching for Self-Care
Explore beliefs and have powerful conversations around guilt, boundaries
For getting recognized, map stakeholders, validate the need, explore deeper needs
Peer coaching among teachers could provide support when coaches unavailable
Next Steps
Consider implementing optional peer coaching training for teachers
Create support groups where teachers can practice coaching each other
Explore school counselors as a resource for advocacy
Bio
My focus as a coach is self-care. I love working with clients who also value compassion and self-care and are willing to explore these in our sessions. At the same time, I am interested in working with educators who are looking to make self-care a priority in the highly pressurized environment that is education, and also with those who want to take the necessary steps that will lead them to find the right career path, bring more enjoyment into their lives, and simply thrive.
Happiness and well-being are two of my core values. Genuine, expansive connection brings me joy, and human vulnerability touches me deeply. Self-compassion and mindfulness are an important part of my life, as are my supportive friends, family, and the communities I belong to. My current intention for my life is to slow down and focus on these three Cs: calm, center, connect.
I am also an international educator. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults in Romania, UK, China, and Thailand. I am passionate about promoting well-being in and out of the classroom, and I love being immersed in multicultural environments. I also enjoy dancing, improv comedy, and the simple moments in life. What are you savouring today?
I am currently based in Bangkok, and I coach in English and Romanian.