BelSU Focuses on the Psychological Well-Being of Regional Teachers

The event was facilitated by the Department of Developmental and Social Psychology at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU). During the workshop, participating teachers engaged in discussions about the causes of psychological distress and learned about the criteria for assessing teacher psychological health. They also evaluated the factors that contribute to maintaining this essential resource. Many teachers were surprised to discover that workaholism is a form of non-chemical addiction and that professional burnout often begins when teaching is viewed as the sole meaningful activity.

The Higher School of Pedagogy, a project within the Pedagogical Professional School, is committed to implementing innovative approaches in its work, moving away from standard, formulaic solutions. This philosophy extends to their practicum, which not only equips participants with essential professional competencies but also addresses the prevention of professional burnout.

Ekaterina Guskova, Acting Head of the Department of Developmental and Social Psychology at BelSU, incorporated elements of art therapy into the practicum. Despite feeling fatigued after their classes, participants enthusiastically engaged in creating a map of their emotions using Yu. Petrovicheva's method. This exercise allowed teachers to conduct an “internal audit” of their feelings, identify sources of tension, and harness their own resources to foster a healthy psychological atmosphere within their teaching teams.