In today’s  knowledge  economy the importance of education has  been recognized worldwide. Within the education system of  any  country, teachers  have a vital  position,  as the  success  of educational  institutions is  mostly dependent on teachers,  who educate the most valuable assets of the country,  i.e. students; therefore the teachers’  performance  and wellness should be of fundamental  concern  to  all  educational  institutions.  The  teachers’ performance can be negatively influenced by different stress contributing factors which exist either within or outside the educational institution,  that impede the  performance of teachers,  resulting in  lower individual as  well as institutional productivity. Several studies have found that the  teachers’ stress is  a reaction to the unwanted environmental factors. Furthermore, the performance of teachers is both tasks and non task related. The teachers’  stress  negatively  affects  their  performance,  lowering  the effectiveness of the interventions  of individual  teachers  and  of the  educational  institutions they belong to.  The educational institutions should focus on teachers’ difficulties, and, instead  of minimizing the negative effects of stress, should  understand  their problems and  also  provide  proper  support. On the other end the teachers by themselves need to learn to adjust to the demands of their teaching profession. 

Together teachers, educational institutions and society as a whole can ensure the success and growth of educational institutions for the socio-economic development of a country. 

Teachers are the most valued assets of any country. They impart knowledge and skills to the students, who  after completion of  their  studies, join  the different  sectors  of the country and  start  contributing towards the development of the country’s economy. The academicians working in different educational institutions are under immense pressure to meet the expectations of their clients, no matter whether these clients are students,  parents, or  employers. In this process  of meeting the expectations of clients, the teachers are exposed to certain unwanted internal or external environmental factors, which hamper their routine abilities and result in the development of feelings of exhaustion and strain. Once teachers develop such symptoms then their performance and satisfaction level is decreased and thus the overall productivity of educational institutions suffers.

The effects of teachers ‘stress on performance have widely been recognized. But nowadays, the effects of stress in all sectors are creating a very dangerous effect on society and within the educational context indeed. Teachers are very often the ones to be blamed for. 

The topic of stress management is not new. Permanent stress affects all sectors of society and it’s officially classified as a “clinical pathology”. 

It starts as a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.

Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health.

The course we propose was already experimented with several groups of teachers of different nationalities with great success and it represents our method as a team of trainers to help teachers or other target groups (entrepreneurs/school leaders/youth or adult educational organizations) to face this delicate subject. 

The training is an experience at the local level, we have all the elements to organize a tailored program welcoming specific needs of groups with the scientific and psychological approach needed but, at the same time, use what our wonderful context offers and our expertise in dealing with participants representing the educational field. 

Our method foresees different strategies and an outdoor education approach

We explore together with our participants what does it mean to manage stress, what are effective tool and approaches and why stress can be, on one hand, a big problem affecting all spheres or, on the other hand, a powerful tool. 

According to different group needs, the practices we do can include: Morning walks to see the sunset on the beach; Yoga morning waking up; Walking tours in nature; Mindfulness and Meditation activities; Moments on the grass talking and sharing; Cooking together; Enjoying healthy lifestyles;  Music and culture as tools for inclusion and wellbeing. 

LEARNING GOALS:

• Understand the definition and causes of stress, especially in the school environment
• Reduce stress levels and develop the necessary abilities to manage emotions and activate the right resources to cope with demanding situations
• Take care of their own well-being and energy to be mindful teachers for mindful students
• Apply and integrate innovative methodologies  at school to promote wellness, prevent stress and motivate all 

• Use a variety of tools and resources in the classroom to create well-being, according to different students’ needs and contexts