Amanda Moreno and Jeanette Banashak are faculty members at Erikson Institute. They co-developed and co-lead Erikson's degree, certificate, professional development, and research programs in social and emotional learning (SEL), with a focus on creating wellness and liberatory learning spaces from early childhood to higher education.
Most books on teacher well-being are about what teachers need to do-whereas this book specifies what teachers need from their supporters and settings to heal from the harms of their profession and thrive. What Teachers Need offers practical guidance to principals, district leaders, teacher educators, and professional development facilitators-all who create the conditions for K-12 teacher wellness. Social emotional learning (SEL) is widely embraced for students, but the education community has yet to practice what it preaches for the adults. Each chapter in this timely book shares innovative approaches to infuse care and humanization into teacher preparation, professional learning, and school buildings, intentionally exploring non-dominant perspectives on SEL. By investing in the health and happiness of educators, we not only empower them to thrive, but also lay the foundation for positive ripple effects on students, schools, and the broader education system. This book is a must-read for educators and anyone who supports them. Book Features: Goes beyond traditional models of self-help with stories and scholarship that focus on personal and community healing. Offers an antidote to teachers' disappointment regarding the next professional development fad that's out of touch with their lived realities. Describes relevant practices and processes for teachers, school leaders, and teacher preparation faculty that can be tailored to their unique education context. Examines how innovators and disruptors in SEL, critical studies in teacher education, coaching, and professional development are actively helping educators create equitable and nurturing classrooms.