Tobago Councillor: Teachers must practise self-care

Nadine Stewart-Phillips 
 PHOTO COURTESY THA  -
Nadine Stewart-Phillips PHOTO COURTESY THA -

Assistant Secretary in the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development Nadine Stewart-Phillips has advised teachers to practise self-care and beware against burnout.

Stewart-Phillips was speaking at the Assembly Legislature on Friday during a debate on a motion that the House supports a call for private and public sector to provide digital devices for use in schools.

The Councillor said her division is ready to assist teachers struggling to cope with the stresses of online teaching.

She said, "Psycho-social support is critical and many teachers will need that support if they are to meet the needs of parents and students. At the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy and Division of Heath, Wellness and Family Development, we will ensure the necessary support measures are in place, should it be required. Without this and the continued strain, this can lead to burnout resulting in teachers and educators being unable to deliver."

Stewart-Phillips said teachers can assist their colleagues get through this transition.

"I know there are some teachers adapting better than others. We should be at a place now where we are not afraid to reach out to our colleagues for guidance on any matter that is overwhelming. Check on your colleague just to see how the week went. These gestures go a long way in calming the nerves of teachers who may on the peak of exploding."

She added, "Most importantly, we want you to practise self-care to make sure you are functioning. To ensure you are able to adapt. You need to find time to recharge and re-energise to ensure you are not burnt out."

The assistant secretary said the pandemic has changed learning drastically and all stakeholders are still adjusting.

"The United Nations reported the closure of schools has impacted 94 per cent of the school's population and up to 99 per cent in low- and middle-income countries. It is evident that this implication is worldwide. It has forced schools to close and some schools will remain closed for an extended period of time.

"This rapid shift to virtual delivery can and will be stressful on teachers, parents and students. Generally, working from home can be difficult and presents its own challenges. We have seen feedback from parents and teachers over the last two weeks about how mentally drained they are. Especially if you are teaching a class that you must supervise and then supervise your own child.

"I understand and empathise with the students, parents and teachers because I understand the trauma, social and psychological effects that would be experienced. As the pandemic continues, we know there is a cause for concern, fear and stress. We are reacting to a situation and parents and guardians may feel overwhelmed as they are dealing with children's learning."

Amid the uncertainty, Stewart-Phillips congratulated stakeholders for putting things in place to continue educating the nation's children.

"They are laying the groundwork, they are putting the necessary measures in place to ensure that learning at all levels, though the traditional method of teaching is disrupted, other innovative measures are in place. There is no one-size-fits-all mechanism that can treat with covid19 pandemic, be it economical, social or educational. The situation remains fluid.

"Covid19 has impacted every community, every society around the world. Although it is a physical health crisis, there is undue stress on the economy, the environment, our social functioning, our family functioning, the education system and in many cases, psychological functioning as persons are trying to cope with this new normal."

Stewart-Phillips said parents and teachers must work together to ease the transition from physical to online classes.

"There is greater opportunity for more collaboration with parents and teachers. There is an opportunity to work hand in hand. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, parents and teachers must be willing to make the sacrifices."

Stewart-Phillips said her recent donation of four Samsung tablets to students at Ebenezer Methodist Primary School, her alma mater, inspired others to follow suit.

She said some detractors claimed it was politics but she dismissed that.

"We need all hands on deck at this time," she said.

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