Dear BTU Members,
Spring can be a season of renewal and hope, but this is not an easy time for many of us. This year has been hard, perhaps the hardest one ever to be an educator. We at the BTU know that many members are feeling stress and burnout, even as we all remain committed to the critical work we do each day in support of Boston’s students and families as we collectively navigate our way through this ongoing pandemic.
We hope that you are looking forward to some well-deserved, and much needed rest over the upcoming April recess, and we wanted to make sure you are aware of some free resources which are available to you as a member of the BTU to support your mental health and personal well-being.
Reconnect to Your Purpose with the Educators Thriving Workshop Series
In this three-workshop series you will learn concrete strategies to reconnect to your purpose, reflect on your strengths, attend to your personal well-being, and set goals for the future. These online workshops are FREE for BTU members. You are not required to attend all three. Each workshop will be offered twice and will be co-facilitated by BTU members. Please RSVP to receive the zoom links.
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Session 1: Core values
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Mon., May 2 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Tues., May 3 from 4-5:30 p.m. |
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Session 2: Purpose, vision, and goals
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Mon., May 16 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Tues., May 17 from 4-5:30 p.m. |
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Session 3: Strengths
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Mon., June 6 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Tues., June 7 from 4-5:30 p.m. |
One BTU member shared her reason for signing up for the workshops:
“I have been struggling this year to feel purposeful and effective in my teaching. I have lost my spark and want to find it again. I also became a mother this year, and it has been difficult to maintain my wellbeing while being a full time teacher and parenting a young child – it feels like a lot to balance in this pandemic world.”
While you may not share the exact same challenges, we know that many BTU members are interested in reigniting their passion and purpose.
BTU Peer to Peer SEL-WEL Social
Thursday, May 19 5-7 p.m.
Stop by to connect with other educators, unwind and have fun! This low key social is unstructured (no PPT presentation or agenda!), but will have “activity stations.” You can just go to socialize or you can connect with peers over some relaxing games, activities and food. There will be SELWEL tips and resources available as well. Register now!
Employee Assistance Program
As City of Boston employees, BTU members have access to the Employee Assistance Program The EAP is confidential and free. The EAP collaborates with employees to resolve concerns that may impact health, well-being, social functioning, and productivity issues in the workplace including:
- Balancing Work and Family
- Mental Health
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Recovery Management
- Domestic Violence
- Financial Issues
- and much more.
AFT Trauma Counseling Programs and Services
As an affiliate of the AFT, BTU members have access to trauma counseling sessions with highly trained therapists which are completely private and can be accessed via phone, text, video and even artificial intelligence. They are free and available to all active working members, including those on leave status. The broad list of covered injuries includes workplace traumas such as bullying, witnessing or experiencing violence, and secondary trauma, as well as non-work experiences. Learn more about this benefit and how to access it.
We hope you will take advantage of these resources as appropriate to support you in these difficult times.. We wish you a restful break and a strong end to the school year with health and well-being of body and mind. You, your families, and the students we serve deserve nothing less.
In solidarity,
BTU Officers and Staff