It has been a hard year for educators. Palm Beach County teachers, specifically, have spent the last 18 months teaching during a pandemic, sometimes virtually, often with masks, and constantly receiving mixed messages and direction.
Stress-inducing challenges range from staffing shortages to student absenteeism because of COVID-19 illnesses and positive test results. To help provide an outlet for these teachers, in addition to offering them coping skills, the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service recently launched a Support Group for Teachers Teaching in a Pandemic.
Offered Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom, the support group is facilitated by Alpert JFS psychologists and designed to create a supportive environment where teachers can share openly and learn to cope with the realities of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual gatherings are free and open to all teachers.
“The past two years have been stressful and challenging for all of us, but especially for those who are responsible for teaching our children,” said Rachel Christopher, a doctoral level practicum student. “Being a teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic has been confusing, exhausting and emotionally draining for everyone in the classroom environment, and our hope at Alpert JFS is that this support group will provide an outlet for those in need of one.”
Along with Christopher, the program is facilitated by Alpert JFS clinical psychologist Iris Kiner and clinical director Elaine Rotenberg. The support croup is made possible by support from the Commission for Jewish Education.
To learn more, or sign up for the next group session, visit www.alpertjfs.org/events/teachers or call (561) 684-1991.
