Health and wellness is vital for teachers' well being
Heaven Tyndall rotates a kettle bell as part of her workout with Pitt Fit. Tyndall, a teacher at South Lenoir High School, joins with fellow South Lenoir teachers for fitness exercises aimed at physical and mental strength to keep them sharp in the classroom. Photo by Laura Ashley Lamm / Neuse News
The health and wellness of teachers is an essential part of the health and wellness of a school. While students’ needs are being met, teachers shouldn’t be left in the background. For a group of teachers at South Lenoir High School, they used time after school to bond, motivate and change their health for the better. Now, this motivational change that has moved them into keeping up with their new lifestyle this summer and well into next year.
“These activities build comradery among the teachers and staff. When our teachers and staff are feeling well, they feel more powerful and in charge of their self-confidence,” said Dr. Janet Blaebaum, assistant principal.
“Overall, if a staff member is healthy, then he or she will be at school more often in the classroom and in a position to instruct. While we are grateful for substitute teachers, it’s a different dynamic when students’ teachers are absent. Students feed off the teacher, and a happy teacher means a happy classroom,” Blaebaum added.
These are happy and committed teachers indeed. The teachers have partnered with celebrity trainer Chappriel Pitt of Pitt Fit in Kinston who holds workouts in the school’s auditorium, outside and at his training facilities in downtown Kinston.
Weight lifting, cardio and abdominal exercises, strength training, running, and more, the workouts are designed to motivate, encourage, inspire and establish healthy living practices.
“The impact of a teacher goes far inside and outside of the classroom. Their job is important, and by helping them become mentally and physically stronger, they are becoming the best version of themselves,” said Pitt. “When teachers are feeling good about themselves, they are going into a job they enjoy feeling even better.”
“This is a definite lifestyle change. I have more energy. I’m progressively building my stamina which results in my having more energy while teaching,” said Heaven Tyndall, who teaches Physical and Earth Science.
Child Trends, the nation’s leading research organization focused exclusively on improving the lives of children in youth, found that teacher wellness has been linked to not only teachers’ physical health, but also to stability in schools, teaching effectiveness and student achievement.
For Sarah York, a fellow Earth Science teacher, these workouts are focused on stress relieving and weight loss.
“I feel better, I sleep better, and I feel better when I wake up in the morning. My students know I work out, and they ask questions and motivate me to keep going. Knowing I work out encouraged my students to seek exercise programs and examine their health and wellness,” said York.
“I started because I’m an older woman in my 40s and in your 40s your metabolism starts to slow down. I’m an exceptional children’s teacher and I love my job, but it does drain your energy leaving a sluggish feeling. Since joining these workouts with my fellow teachers, I feel better about myself, have less stress, have bonded with my coworkers, and can see a difference in my overall health and well being,” said Tracy Judkins.
Child Trends also recorded that teachers’ emotions and stress levels have been found to influence those of other teachers and students.
For these South Lenoir teachers, they are making positive impacts for themselves, fellow teachers and students now and in the future.
