In this blog, we’re exploring the critical issue of stress in education during Stress Awareness Month. Throughout we're highlighting pressures educators and school staff face, sharing practical strategies for spotting and managing stress, and offering actionable steps schools can take to support staff wellbeing. Keep reading to find out how we’re striving to better support educators and schools.
April marks Stress Awareness Month – a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take action on an issue that affects so many in education. At SupplyWell, we know stress doesn’t just impact individuals – it ripples through classrooms, staff rooms, and entire school communities.
Educators and school staff are the backbone of the education system. You give so much to others every day. That’s why this month, we’re placing a spotlight on mental health and wellbeing in education and sharing helpful ways to recognise and manage stress, for the benefit of educators and students alike.
Why Stress Awareness Month Matters For Schools
Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Tight deadlines, high workloads, behaviour management issues, curriculum changes, and post-pandemic challenges all contribute to growing pressure.
In fact, recent surveys show that teacher stress levels in the UK remain consistently high, with many educators citing burnout and lack of support as key reasons for leaving the profession. That’s something we at SupplyWell are committed to changing.
Spotting The Signs Of Stress In Educators
Stress can show up in many ways, and not all of them are obvious. It’s important school leaders, colleagues, and educators themselves feel confident in recognising early signs of stress:
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- A drop in motivation or passion for teaching
By identifying these signals early, we can take steps to prevent burnout and create more supportive school environments.
How Schools Can Support Mental Health
Supporting educator wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for staff retention, pupil outcomes, and a positive school culture. Here are some actionable ways schools can support their staff this Stress Awareness Month and beyond:
1. Encourage Open Conversations Around Mental Health
Normalise discussions around stress and mental health in team meetings, training days, or even informal chats. When staff feel safe to speak up, they’re more likely to seek support early.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance
Whether that’s discouraging emails outside working hours or offering flexible working arrangements, setting healthy boundaries helps staff switch off and recharge.
3. Provide Access to Wellbeing Resources
Signpost staff to professional mental health support, including Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), online counselling services, and stress management tools.
4. Offer Reliable, Consistent Supply Cover
At SupplyWell, we understand how important it is for schools to have access to dependable, high-quality supply staff. Our platform helps reduce the burden on permanent staff by ensuring cover is quick, fair, and efficient – reducing stress for everyone involved.
5. Celebrate Wins and Acknowledge Hard Work
A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Recognising the incredible effort educators put in – especially during busy and challenging times – can have a powerful impact on morale.
For Educators: Simple Ways To Manage Stress Day-to-Day
As an educator, it’s easy to prioritise everyone else. But looking after yourself means you’ll be in a better position to support your students. Here are a few practical tips:
- Take short breaks throughout the day – even five minutes of fresh air can help reset your mind.
- Practise mindfulness or breathing exercises to ground yourself during busy periods.
- Create clear end-of-day routines to help separate work from home life.
- Never be afraid to ask for help.
Our Commitment at SupplyWell
Stress Awareness Month and the 2025 theme, #leadwithlove, is a timely reminder that educator wellbeing matters. At SupplyWell, we’re passionate about improving conditions for teachers, supply staff, and school leaders. Through fair pay, supportive tech, and a people-first approach, we’re working to make education a happier, healthier place to work.
Let’s talk. If you’re a school leader looking to support your staff better, or an educator ready for a more balanced way to work, SupplyWell is here to help. Get in touch with us today.