Michael Bernard shares what he has learned from coaching stressed teachers and principals, conducting professional development stress management workshops at schools, his experiences in working with teachers and principals retired from teaching due to stress worked, his own published research on stress-creating attitude and his earlier book, Taking the Stress Out of Teaching.

In this stress management series, an emphasis is placed on what you can do to take the stress out of your work. It incorporates the latest research in the field of neuroscience that has identified the importance of the pre-frontal cortex of your brain –sometimes called your inner CEO - as the source of resilience you need to combat stress. Many of the strategies described for managing stress are designed to activate and strengthen the pre-frontal cortex.

WAYS TO USE THIS STRESS MANAGEMENT SERIES

Teachers and others can be made aware of the availability of the program and its content and can be encouraged to download booklets, listen online to audio programs and identify stress-cards for personal study.

Throughout the school year, professional development sessions can be held either at a staff meeting or as a stand-alone session on different topics covered in this stress management program.

If a first- or second-year teacher has had little or no exposure to stress management and best practices for it management, it is strongly suggested that as part of a school’s induction program, teachers with the support of a mentor work through the program and developing as part of their individual professional development plan, areas of stress management to strengthen (e.g., relaxation, classroom management).

DOWNLOADABLE BEST-PRACTICE STRESS MANAGEMENT BOOKLETS

1. The Tsunami of Stress
   
2. Self-Assessment of Teacher Stress
   
3. The Resilient Mindset
   
4. The Strength of Self-Acceptance
   
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation
   
6. Lifestyle Management
   
7. Time Management
   
8. Classroom Management and Social-Emotional Learning
   
9. Relationships and How to Get Along with Difficult People
   
10. Support. Seek It Out and Give It
    
11. High Performing, Low-Stress School Principals

AUDIO ELEARNING STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

• Part 1. Taking Charge: How to Get What You Want Out of Your Job (and Life) 
• Part 2. The ABCs of Self-Management: Dealing with Difficult Situations and People 
• Part 3. Self-Acceptance and Goal Setting 
• Part 4. People Skills: Conflict Resolution and Communication at Work 
• Part 5. Classroom Management: From Chaos to ControL 
• Part 6. Managing Your Time and Overcoming Procrastination 
• Part 7. Relaxation: Keeping Calm Under Pressure 
• Part 8. Life Style Management: Exercise, Diet and Recreation

DOWNLOADABLE STRESS-RELIEF CARDS

1. Mindfulness
2. Self-compassion
3. Self-acceptance
4. Replay past achievements
5. Begin your day calmly
6. Seek support
7. Exercise
8. Time management
9. Time out
10. Catastrophe scale

“This series guides teachers and principals who want to take the stress out of their daily work life and the lives of others. The techniques and skills outlined here will make your workplace less stressful and more enjoyable. Promise!” – Michael Bernard