Thriving Sustainably All Year Long

Teaching is often considered one of the most rewarding professions, as educators have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the next generation. However, the profession can also be emotionally taxing, leading many teachers to experience compassion fatigue. In this blog post, we'll explore why teachers are susceptible to compassion fatigue and how understanding what lies within their circle of control can help prevent it, ensuring they continue to provide the best support to their students and maintain their health.

The term compassion fatigue was originally used to describe the emotional toll taken on nurses and doctors who consistently care for patients in distress. However, it has become increasingly relevant in the field of education, where teachers frequently find themselves in emotionally demanding situations. 

To prevent compassion fatigue, educators can benefit from understanding and applying the concept of the circle of control:

Inner Circle (Control): In the innermost circle, teachers find aspects they have control over. These include their reactions, teaching methods, classroom environment, and self-care routines. Recognizing and managing these aspects can help them regain a sense of agency.

Middle Circle (Influence): In the middle circle, teachers can identify factors they can influence but not entirely control. This may involve fostering positive relationships with students, collaborating with colleagues, and advocating for better resources and support within the school.

Outer Circle (Concern): In the outermost circle lie factors beyond teachers' control, such as external societal issues, students' home environments, and broader educational policies. Acknowledging these concerns without shouldering the weight of responsibility is crucial.

The best way to use the circle of control model to prevent compassion fatigue is to focus on what can be controlled. As much as possible, teachers should try to concentrate their energy and efforts on aspects within their control, such as their teaching methods, classroom atmosphere, and self-care practices. By doing so, they can start to filter out some of the external influences that are causing stress. Looking for more support on this? Check out our workshop Teaching Inclusively, Thriving Sustainably.