Teachers to be given support to deal with Covid-19 impact

Teachers are to be given support to better deal with the effects of the pandemic on children.

Up to 500 teachers employed in the last four years will be eligible for the scheme, which is a partnership between Education Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and coaching provider KnowYouMore.

Educators will be given one-on-one sessions where they will be able to discuss the personal and professional pressures of remote learning.

“Covid-19 has placed unprecedented strain on school staff and none more so than those who have pastoral care and child protection responsibilities ensuring the emotional welfare of our children and young people as we recover from the pandemic,” Education Secretary John Swinney said.

“The teacher support package I announced last year will complement the existing professional training and support already taking place for staff in schools across Scotland.

“Teachers need to be part of a supportive online community and have the space to stop and think about issues that are causing concern.”

Education Scotland chief executive Gayle Gorman said: “We have found that it really benefits teachers to know there is someone with a listening ear who are there for them.

“Our one-to-one coaching and mentoring sessions for headteachers have proved a really popular way of supporting their wellbeing and now the offer is also open to post-probation teachers, teachers new to role and those with pastoral responsibilities. I would encourage more practitioners to sign up.”

GTCS chief executive Ken Muir said: “GTCS is pleased to be working with our partners in education to deliver this important coaching to support hard-pressed teachers who are doing all they can to maintain quality learning in challenging circumstances.

“In addition to this coaching, GTCS itself has invested heavily in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of education professionals and will continue to do so throughout the pandemic.”