Did you know that women comprised 77% of public school teachers? According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 2020–21 school year data.
Schools are not just places of learning for students—they are workplaces for millions of educators, most of whom are women! Yet, many school structures and policies overlook teacher well-being, contributing to burnout, stress, and high turnover. To truly support and retain educators, we must reimagine schools as workplaces that foster care, sustainability, while offering healing-centered practices.
What are the Hidden Stressors in Schools?
Many of the daily challenges educators face are rooted in the way schools are designed and structured. When schools are not built with teacher well-being in mind, it leads to stress, exhaustion, and high turnover. Some of the most pressing concerns include:
- No Spaces for Restoration – Educators pour so much into their students, yet most schools lack dedicated spaces for teachers to pause, reset, and recharge. Or even take a lunch break. Without these moments of restoration, chronic stress and fatigue become the norm.
- Limited Bathroom Access – Rigid schedules often leave teachers with little time for basic needs like bathroom breaks, leading to health concerns such as dehydration and urinary tract infections.
- Physical and Vocal Strain – Outdated classroom acoustics and temperature settings fail to consider the needs of educators—especially women, who experience higher rates of vocal fatigue and discomfort.
- Schools Built Like Institutions, Not Communities – Many school buildings feel more like restrictive institutions than places of inspiration, impacting the mental and emotional well-being of both teachers and students.
If we want to build resilient schools, we must start by rethinking the way we structure these spaces—ensuring they foster care, connection, and sustainability for the educators who keep them running.
How Can We Design Schools for Educator Well-Being?
School leaders and policymakers have an opportunity to reimagine schools as places that foster well-being. By making intentional design choices, we can create environments where teachers feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Key considerations include:
- Creating Teacher Lounges with Purpose – Instead of small, underutilized spaces, schools should have comfortable areas where educators can take meaningful breaks and connect with colleagues.
- Prioritizing Human-Centered Safety Features – Schools should balance security with warmth, ensuring educators feel safe without feeling surveilled.
- Improving Classroom Comfort – Addressing acoustics, temperature settings, and ergonomic needs can help reduce physical stress on teachers.
- Incorporating Flexible Workspaces – Designing multipurpose areas that allow teachers to plan, reflect, and recharge can significantly impact job satisfaction.
How Can You Support Educators Well-Being with Healing-Centered Practices?
To foster connection, rest, and well-being in existing spaces, consider implementing these small but impactful practices:
Micro-Practices
- Mindful Moments – Encourage brief, structured pauses during staff meetings or the school day for deep breathing or reflection.
- Check-In Circles – Create spaces for teachers to share experiences and feel heard, reinforcing a culture of belonging.
- Quiet Zones – Dedicate small areas where educators can take short breaks in silence to reset before returning to their classrooms.
- Peer Support Networks – Facilitate informal mentoring or support groups where teachers can discuss challenges and solutions collaboratively.
- Wellness Walks – Encourage short walks during breaks or lunchtime to help teachers decompress and reconnect with colleagues.
- Repurposing PD Time – Integrate well-being practices into professional development sessions, allowing teachers to engage in mindfulness, movement, or reflective activities that support their health.
Transforming Schools into Spaces of Care, Connection, and Resilience
Reimagining schools as restorative spaces for educators is not just an aspirational goal—it’s a necessary shift to ensure the sustainability of our education system. When we prioritize teacher well-being, we create environments where both educators and students can thrive. By making intentional design choices and integrating healing-centered practices, we can transform schools into spaces of care, connection, and resilience. Let’s take action to support the educators who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation.
Bylines:
Erika Eitland, MPH, ScD
Senior Research Lead – Human Experience, Senior Associate at Perkins&Will
Wenimo Okoya, EdD, MPH