School Social Worker Support for Educators

Seasons Change, Moods Change, Teachers Continue To Inspire It’s reported that about 5% of Americans have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a kind of depression that occurs in the winter months, also known as seasonal depression. Somehow, I feel like, with a potential second wave of coronavirus, might increase that percentage just a little. How can people with seasonal affective disorder prep for changes in the season in this already depressing historical moment?  First off, it’s important to establish the difference between SAD, depression in general, and pandemic-induced melancholy. Seasonal depression does have many of the same symptoms as clinical depression — like low energy and mood and sleep troubles — but its isolated phase makes it unique. You can tell it’s SAD, then, and not another issue when someone experiences depressive symptoms at the same time each year in the fall and winter. Seasonal depression (hence the term) is not based on constant chemical imbalance or on diffic

 9 Stress Management Strategies Every Teacher Needs To Know As we settle into the groove of our school year, it is important to keep safeguards in place to manage your stress and maintain positive mental health. Below are nine strategies every teacher can incorporate into their daily routines to be successful. Breathe Properly The classroom can cause sensory overload. Before you know it, your heart rate starts to climb, you break out into a sweat, and your mind races. In these situations, the most effective first step you can take is to breathe deeply. A "4 x 4" technique, which helps them lower physical stress response and regain control. When you're experiencing intense levels of stress, breathe in deeply (put your hands on your stomach and feel it expand out), for four seconds, then exhale evenly for four seconds. Keep this up for 2-3 minutes for maximum effect. Embrace The Stress Whether you think stress is positive, or you think it's negative, you're right. V

What's Going On This Weekend? The purpose of Labor Day is provide a much needed break between the 4th of July and Winter holidays. With, please take this 3-day weekend to re-charge, recalibrate, and re-connect with yourself and your family. Also, while safely social distancing, please be sure to review the link below detailing Perks & Benefits available to DCSD employees. I also want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication during perhaps the most intense and innovative school year ever. We appreciate you and we are inspired by you! Employee Incentives & Perks                                                                  Have A Great Labor Day Weekend!

 Greetings ELC Educators! Three Weeks A Charm  We have successfully wrapped up week two remote instruction. It is my hope that you everyone has found settled into their new "normal." Nevertheless, if you find yourself struggling to adjust to remote learning in a way that promotes positive health professionally and personally, consider taking advantage of the Employee Assistance Program offered by DeKalb County School District.  What is the Employee Assistance Program? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential, short-term counseling from Licensed Professional Counselors for a full range of personal issues and achieving a healthy work/life balance across the life span. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7. Please see the link below and create an account to access services for you and your family.  Health Advocate EAP Provided By: UNUM   What Types of Support Does EAP Offer?      1. Stress, Anxiety, Depression, etc.  2. Family, Relationship, and Parentin

 Greetings ELC Educators! We have officially completed our first week of virtual instruction filled with triumphs, learning curves, new experiences, and technological adventures amongst other things. So, now what? Now we continue to hold the rope, to stand in the gap, innovate, and create a learning environment that affords our students the best we can offer them now. In order to do this we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ourselves and to the profession of education. The best way for us to navigate this journey with integrity is through consistent self-care and mental recalibration. This week resource is the Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line. Please utilize this resource in addition to the DCSD Employee Assistance Program to engage in brief counseling that supports positive mental health and emotional support. As always, I am available to support you via email at Bryesha_Baker@dekalbschoolsga.org and telephone at 678-984-5022.  Have An Awesome Weekend!

Welcome Back Educators Welcome to an exciting school year with the DeKalb County School District. We are excited to be trailblazing alternative learning for our students as we support them through a global pandemic. Although I know that you all have been working hard and are excited to share your time and talents with your students, please be sure to take time to unplug, meditate, and prepare yourself for a positive start to the school year on Monday. Please consider reviewing the tips below to reminded of healthy mental health practices.  Mindfulness and Self-Care for Teachers During Remote Learning Develop Beginning-Of-Day and End-Of-Day Routines In the morning, this could mean turning on all the lamps, opening the blinds, and making a cup of coffee. When the day is over, reverse the routine: Close the blinds and turn off the lamps. You may find that the physical act of closing your laptop or moving it onto a shelf, into a drawer, or back into its bag is a signal to end the working d