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District 87 Lunch and Learn: Self-Care for Educators Fall 2024

In collaboration with faculty and students at Illinois State University, District 87 is offering a series of wellness-focused lunch discussions for staff at various schools. The intended outcome of this program is for the educators who participate to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives inside and outside of the classroom or building. This fall (2024) we are offering five weekly sessions at Irving Elementary School.

THE FACTS:

  • Research shows that 93 percent of teachers report “high levels of job-related stress” (Riley-Missouri, 2018).
  • Students with stressed-out teachers have more behavior issues and lower overall achievement (Riley-Missouri, 2018).
  • Teachers are the biggest influence on student engagement (Gallup, 2014; Martin 2006).
  • There is a “strong connection between the personal and professional wellbeing of teachers” and “there cannot be real professional development without personal development” (Day & Leitch 2001; O’Connor, 2008; Thijs, 2011).

GENERAL RESOURCES RELATED TO SELF-CARE AND WELL-BEING

  • 180 Days of self-care for busy educators (A 36-week plan of low-cost self-care for teachers and educators) By Tina H. Boogren
    • Many of our discussion topics are drawn from content in this book. If you want more information about the topics we are covering or about other self-care topics and strategies, you can access this as an eBook at the Bloomington Public Library using the Hoopla app.
  • Did you know: District 87 has partnered with ISU to develop an asset map with information about wellness resources and services available to the District 87 community at low or no cost. These may be of interest to you and your family, in addition to your students and their families. Check out the map to learn more about the assets in our community!
  • If you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you can access a variety of fitness and wellness-related resources and benefits through the “Well on Target” program.
  • Lunch and Learn discussions are intended to support each participants’ self-care journey, and are available and appropriate for all staff members in the schools where they are offered. If you are interested in additional support, District 87 offers services to all staff through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can find more information about this on page 11 of your employee benefits guide.
  • You can connect with colleagues and find additional information about nutrition, physical, and mental wellness on the District 87 Staff Be Well Facebook Group.

DATES AND TOPICS FOR FALL 2024 LUNCH & LEARN SESSIONS AT IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

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