By Halima Imam
A few days ago, I was going through my LinkedIn feed, then boom! I saw a video where a female teacher was slapping a boy ‘tawai tawai’ as if the boy embodied all her problems that she wished swatted away. My heart almost froze o, but Abuja heat no gree. The teacher in question, Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo from Christ-Mitiots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was seen mercilessly beating a 3-year-old boy. For the sake of this article, we will refer to her as Karashika.
This chilling incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health assessments for school teachers, particularly those in primary schools, who are instrumental in laying the foundational stones of a child’s education and character. It’s not lost that their critical roles often come with immense stress, emotional strain, and sometimes unmanageable pressures. The disturbing actions of Karashika are likely symptoms of a larger, often overlooked problem: the mental health of our educators.
Stress and burnout among teachers are well-documented phenomena. A study by the World Bank found that teachers in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, including Nigeria, struggle with a lack of resources, poor working conditions, and inadequate training. These stressors significantly impact their mental health and, as a result, their behavior towards students. It’s essential to recognize that teachers, much like students, are prone to emotional and psychological challenges. Mental health assessments can serve as an invaluable tool in identifying teachers who are experiencing excessive stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
These assessments can help schools provide the necessary support to ensure that teachers remain effective and that their classrooms are safe and conducive to learning. Conducting regular mental health screenings can help identify teachers who are at risk of burnout or experiencing mental health issues. Early detection through these screenings can pave the way for timely interventions such as counseling, stress management workshops, or temporary leave.
Creating a supportive work environment is crucial. Schools should foster a culture of support and understanding, where teachers feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges without fear of stigmatization or retribution. This can involve open-door policies, peer support groups, and regular check-ins with school leadership. Ensuring that teachers have access to professional mental health services is vital. Schools should partner with mental health professionals to provide on-site counseling services or establish referral systems for external support. Investing in continuous professional development can help teachers better manage stress and stay engaged in their work. Training programs focused on stress management, emotional resilience, and classroom management can empower teachers with the tools they need to cope with their daily challenges. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential. Schools should implement policies that prevent excessive workloads and allow teachers to take time off when needed. This can include providing planning periods during the school day and ensuring that teachers do not take on excessive extracurricular responsibilities. Addressing the mental health of teachers is a responsibility that extends beyond the school administration. Parents, students, and the wider community must also play their part in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for educators.
Parents and guardians can show appreciation for teachers, engage in open and respectful communication, and support their efforts in and out of the classroom. Students who encourage positive behavior and respect for teachers can create a more harmonious and less stressful classroom environment. Local businesses and organizations can offer resources and support to schools, such as donations for mental health programs or volunteering their time to assist where needed. While these solutions sound promising, it is essential to acknowledge potential barriers to their implementation.
Issues such as lack of funding, limited access to qualified mental health professionals, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health may pose challenges. However, these challenges are not insurmountable with coordinated efforts and commitment from all stakeholders. In conclusion, the incident involving Karashika serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health assessments and supportive measures for school teachers. By prioritizing the mental well-being of educators, we can create a happier, healthier, and more productive educational system. And as we say in Nigeria, teacher wey dey enjoy de work no dey lack steeze.
In the wise words of our people, “If fish wan spoil, e go start from the head.” Let’s ensure that the head stays solid and healthy, so our children , the fish can swim in safe and nourishing waters abeg, unlike Karashika polluted water. Make e no be like say teacher come dey mad, pikin dey suffer. Everybody go dey alright las las! Sha.
Remember: A mentally healthy teacher is a blessing to generations. Let’s keep our teachers happy and sane—because, after all, teachers no be superhuman o!
