Teachers, administrators, student affairs people, and others in education have experienced new types of stress during this pandemic. One form of stress that is new to educators of all types is “Zoom fatigue” and “COVID fog.” I know I have experienced both of these a few times!
Some other stressors that may be going unrecognized included increased workloads. Even (especially) with low enrollments, workloads are up. In my conversations with colleagues, instead of an 8-hour workday, many faculty and staff are putting in 12-15 hours of work.
When working with everyone under the stress of this pandemic, we all should employ trauma-informed practices. Why? Because this whole experience is a series of stresses and traumas that can affect even the toughest among us.
These days, it is more important than ever for school leadership and public officials to prioritize and mental health for the education community.
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Published by mcolpitts
Dr. Matthew W. Colpitts is currently the Head of School and President of Ventures Academy, a unique high school for students who want to create startup businesses while in school! He is also currently on the Board of Directors for Studio East, a non-profit for youth theatre and performing arts education.
Previously, he served at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School as the Director of Residence Life & Campus Safety where he lead the educational, operational, and student support aspects of the boarding program and security for the whole school. Matt has been an educator, administrator, and leader in higher education and K12 independent schools for over 10 years serving in the areas of residence life, university housing, student conduct, campus safety and security, emergency management, enrollment management, and student affairs. Matt has also served in educator-leader roles at diverse educational institutions including Clark University, Landmark College, Southern Oregon University, Utah State University, and Interlochen Center of the Arts. He also does independent risk and safety management consulting.
A first-generation college student from rural Maine, Matt is a proud graduate of Clark University in Worcester, MA with a B.A. in English and Philosophy. He holds an Ed.D. from Fielding Graduate University where he researched emergency management in educational institutions. Outside of school, Matt enjoys reading, traveling, and learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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