It’s no secret that the past two years have been a one-two logistical and psychological punch for those in the field of education. Whether it be in-class, remote, hybrid, masked or no masks, every day presented new challenges for educators. The ‘New Normal’ has been anything but.

Normally accustomed to working under pressure, teachers have long been familiar with the burdens of excessive workloads, limited resources, and a lack of recognition. However, the pandemic was a complete gamechanger, demonstrating exponential challenges, far beyond anyone’s conception, with no real end in sight. Changing rules, angry parents, and overwhelmed administrators have all contributed significantly to teacher burnout, which has peaked at epidemic proportions.

But there is help on the way. To honor those who are still trudging in the trenches, Recharge, a free online mental health resource for Alabama teachers was recently launched.

Recharge is part of a Leadership Greater Huntsville’s L-35 Flagship Class initiative. Rolled out just in time for Teacher Appreciation week, Recharge has been designed to provide teachers and staff with tailored content that benefits their mental health and overall wellness.

The Recharge website was developed in collaboration with local area mental health service providers and hosts an array of engaging videos, informative articles, and locally curated content. It’s solid information that is designed to help educators navigate many of life’s challenges.

Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Flagship Class, L-35, recognized an opportunity to express appreciation to local area teachers and created a program dedicated to promoting self-care, prioritizing mental health, and improving overall wellness. To execute this vision, they teamed up with WellStone, North Alabama’s most extensive behavioral healthcare provider, and locally owned Solid Ground Counseling, who specializes in family behavioral health.

“The COVID pandemic has uprooted teachers’ lives, burdened them with new responsibilities, and harmed their morale.” said Karen Petersen, Director of Development, WellStone. “Teachers are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety during the pandemic, leaving them at a higher risk for long-term physical and mental health complications.”

Teachers are responsible for educating the next generation; therefore, their self-care should be a priority. Rachel Sullivan, owner of Solid Ground Counseling Center, is dedicated to debunking myths about self-care and promoting proactive practices to preserve mental health.

“Taking care of yourself is not selfish. The saying ‘you cannot pour from an empty cup’ is so true,” said Sullivan. “Creating healthy habits of tending to our needs is a vital aspect of optimal functioning, especially for teachers who have a tendency to always put others first.”

More information about Recharge can be found at www.rechargeourteachers.com.