Relay Thought Leadership: Prioritizing Teacher Appreciation and Wellness: Summer Tips for Administrators

Supporting Teacher Wellness: A Summer Guide for School Leaders

Teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. With over 3.23 million K–12 public school teachers in the U.S. during the 2023–24 school year (a 0.2% increase from the previous year), it’s clear that many are still stepping up to shape young lives. But with every lesson plan and classroom success lies a deep emotional commitment—and often, mounting stress.

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Behind the thank-you notes and PTO breakfasts, many educators quietly carry the emotional weight of their profession year-round. That’s why school leaders have a vital role to play in supporting teacher wellness—especially during the summer months when recharging truly matters.

Welcome Relief for Teachers

The joy of teaching can be dimmed by emotional exhaustion, paperwork, high-stakes testing, and the heavy responsibility of student well-being. In fact, a recent study found that 44% of K–12 educators feel frequent burnout, making it the most affected profession in the country.

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When teachers experience burnout, it affects not only their health—but student outcomes, school culture, and retention. Fortunately, simple but meaningful steps can make a difference.

There’s a great deal that a principal or leadership team can do to help boost teacher wellness—especially as the school year ends and summer approaches.  

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Communicate with Care

Check in with your teachers from time to time during the summer—always in a caring way: “How are you doing?”, “Just wanted to say hello!” Listen actively without having to “fix” any problem should they bring one up. Sometimes they just want to vent or have a sounding board. Communication is the universal solvent to practically everything—so talk even during the summer!

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Encourage Real Rest

• Encourage teachers to relax as the summer is their time to recharge.
• Remind them to fully unplug from school emails and work responsibilities.

Promote Wellness Opportunities

• Share local wellness activities like yoga classes, nature walks or relaxation workshops.
• Offer summer wellness challenges such as daily steps.

Send Encouragement

Send a simple, uplifting email or postcard mid-summer recognizing their hard work and encouraging self-care.

Host Low-Key Connection Events

Organize optional social events like a picnic, walk in the park, or coffee meet-up. How about weekly yoga classes together?

Support Personal Wellness Goals

Encourage teachers to set a small, meaningful wellness goal for themselves—nothing related to school—like reading for pleasure, trying a new hobby or 10K daily steps.

Model Wellness Yourself

• Share photos or short notes showing how you are relaxing or prioritizing self-care to lead by example.
• Share healthy recipes with your staff.

Offer Resources for a Healthy Re-entry

Toward the end of summer, share tips for a smooth, gentle transition back, like sleep routine resets and gradual schedule adjustments.

Keep the Appreciation Going

Always let your teachers know how much you appreciate them. There’s nothing better than getting a “Well done!” from your principal or leadership. They’ll be grateful for the kind words—and they’ll appreciate their job even more. And that’s especially good for wellness, all year round.