MUNCIE, Ind. – Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana (ECI) will open its wellness room on March 1.
The wellness room hopes to overall decrease teachers’ stress.
According to Classroom Connections, nearly 50% of teachers nationally said they considered leaving teaching as a profession this year, as a result of feeling under-resourced and under-supported.
The ongoing issue of teacher burnout and continued negative feedback led Classroom Connections to create its own initiative.
By including specific attributes in the space, teachers can expect nothing but relaxation.
This includes:
- Full body massage chair
- Massaging/heated couch
- Snack and beverage station
- Sensory and fidget items
- A place to recharge
National Grid Renewables was a sponsor for Classroom Connections, in hopes of making this opportunity for educators possible.
Walls Furniture and Sparkys Corner Greenhouse also contributed specific items to the room.
Executive director at Classroom Connections of ECI, Stacy Wheeler said, “A place where they can relax and rewind at the end of a hard day, but it’s a place that they can come and commute and connect with other teachers.”
Many educators feel this kind of support is important to limiting the amount of teachers who are stressed or plan to leave the profession.
“We need it. We deserve it. We pour our love into somebody else. We need to take time to refuel ourselves,” local elementary art teacher Sonia Smith said.
Teachers looking to catch a breath of fresh air at the wellness room are available to book two-30 30-minute sessions on March 1.
For more information, visit https://www.classroomconnectionsofeci.org/.
Contact Lauren Burris with comments at lauren.burris@bsu.edu.
