Educator Stress Affects All of Us—Including Our Families

By Dorothy Morelli, CEO of Bounceback (www.mybounceback.com)

We’re all aware that educator stress is at an all-time high. A staggering 91% of educators report experiencing job-related stress sometimes, frequently, or always. In January 2024, a national survey revealed that educators are twice as likely as other working adults to experience frequent stress or burnout. The demands of the profession seem endless, but what happens when educators leave the school building and go home? The effects of work-family spillover are profound and often overlooked.

The Realities of Vicarious Stress

As a former educator in both classroom and administrative roles, I know firsthand how job-related stress extends far beyond the school walls. Many nights, I would come home worried about my students. I’d agonize over how to help a child whose parent had lost their job or find resources for a family in need of clothing and shelter.

My partner, though supportive, often struggled to understand the weight of my concerns. “You may leave the school building,” I’d say, “but you never leave the students.” While the work was noble and fulfilling, the stress spilled over into my family life, creating its own set of challenges.

Now, as the mother of an educator, I experience this stress from a different perspective. My daughter works tirelessly for her students, and I hear the concern in her voice when she talks about her classroom and colleagues. Her stress becomes my stress. Educators are natural givers, often feeling guilty about taking time to care for themselves, but without boundaries and effective stress management, this cycle of stress will continue to ripple outward to those around them.

Taking Inspiration from CARE

Supporting educators begins with giving them tools and strategies to manage their stress effectively. At Bounceback, we’ve built on the foundation of the CARE program to create content that addresses the unique challenges educators face. CARE, an evidence-based program, emphasizes practical approaches to emotional regulation and stress management. Its principles guide Bounceback’s focus on providing actionable solutions to help educators:

• Reduce stress and prevent burnout
• Improve emotional awareness and presence in their teaching
• Experience deeper fulfillment in their roles
• Support student success socially, emotionally, and academically

Bounceback incorporates these principles into its offerings to ensure educators have access to resources that align with their needs. By equipping educators with tools derived from CARE’s proven framework, Bounceback empowers them to set boundaries, manage stress, and foster healthier relationships at home and work.

The Ripple Effect of Educator Wellness

When educators prioritize their well-being, the benefits extend far beyond their classrooms. Families often bear the unseen weight of vicarious stress, but when teachers have access to wellness resources, it lightens the load for everyone. Building resilience and learning to manage stress creates a healthier, more supportive environment not only for educators but for their families and students as well.

How Bounceback Supports Educators and Their Families

At Bounceback, we’re dedicated to helping educators thrive. By leveraging the foundations of CARE, our content focuses on building resilience, promoting balance, and addressing stress at its core. Bounceback’s resources are designed to support educators’ well-being, benefiting their personal and professional lives while positively impacting their families and communities.

Learn more about how Bounceback can make a difference at www.mybounceback.com.