Stress Management for Stress Management for Special EducatorsSpecial Educators

Fall IAASE ConferenceFall IAASE ConferenceSeptember 28, 2006September 28, 2006

By By R. Michael Weger, Ph.D., DirectorR. Michael Weger, Ph.D., Director

Black Hawk Area Special Education DistrictBlack Hawk Area Special Education DistrictPete B. Marcelo, Ph.D., LCSWPete B. Marcelo, Ph.D., LCSW

What Is Stress?What Is Stress? A specific A specific response by the response by the bodybody to a stimulus to a stimulus

(internal or external)(internal or external), as fear or pain, that , as fear or pain, that disturbsdisturbs or or interferesinterferes with the normal physiological equilibrium with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism. Physical, mental, or emotional strain of an organism. Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.or tension.

““The nonspecific response of the body to any The nonspecific response of the body to any pressure or demand made upon it.” (Selye, 1956)pressure or demand made upon it.” (Selye, 1956)

Situation x person = stress?Situation x person = stress?

Selye’s Stress Theory Selye’s Stress Theory Stage One – Alarm “fight or flight”Stage One – Alarm “fight or flight”

PhysicalPhysical increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased hormone levels, enlarged lymph glands,increased hormone levels, enlarged lymph glands,

muscle tension, increased adrenal cortexmuscle tension, increased adrenal cortex

PsychologicalPsychological anxiety, fear, panic, racing thoughts, alertanxiety, fear, panic, racing thoughts, alert

Stage Two – Adaptive ResistanceStage Two – Adaptive Resistance

PhysicalPhysicalreduction of adrenal cortex, constant hormone reduction of adrenal cortex, constant hormone levels, lymph nodes return to normal size, heart levels, lymph nodes return to normal size, heart rate and blood pressure return to normalrate and blood pressure return to normal

PsychologicalPsychological intensified use of coping mechanisms, intensified use of coping mechanisms,

psychosomatic symptoms may appearpsychosomatic symptoms may appear

Stage Three – Exhaustion “burnout”Stage Three – Exhaustion “burnout”

CommonCommon signs of burnout signs of burnoutchronic fatigue, anger, self-criticism, irritability, chronic fatigue, anger, self-criticism, irritability, cynicism, frequent headaches and gastrointestinal cynicism, frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances, weight loss or gain, sleeplessness, disturbances, weight loss or gain, sleeplessness, depression, suspiciousness, feelings of depression, suspiciousness, feelings of helplessnesshelplessness

Common cognitive signs and Common cognitive signs and symptoms of Stresssymptoms of Stress

Poor concentrationPoor concentration Loss of self-confidenceLoss of self-confidence Memory impairmentMemory impairment Difficulty making decisionsDifficulty making decisions Poor abstract thinkingPoor abstract thinking Blaming othersBlaming others Racing thoughtsRacing thoughts

Yerkes-Dodson Law

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The Prevalence & Power of StressThe Prevalence & Power of Stress 200 billion/year cost to industry due to stress related 200 billion/year cost to industry due to stress related

ailments ailments (G. Pfeiffer-Workcare Group)(G. Pfeiffer-Workcare Group)

75-90% of all hospital visits 75-90% of all hospital visits (American Institute of Stress)(American Institute of Stress)

Chronic pain, hypertension, headaches=54% of job Chronic pain, hypertension, headaches=54% of job related absences related absences (Alternative Therapies, 1996)(Alternative Therapies, 1996)

More powerful than diet in influencing cholesterol More powerful than diet in influencing cholesterol levels levels (Dr. P. Rosch, Prof. Of medicine, NY Medical College)(Dr. P. Rosch, Prof. Of medicine, NY Medical College)

Increases “nerve factor growth” r/ immune system Increases “nerve factor growth” r/ immune system suppression suppression (Psychology Today, January 1996)(Psychology Today, January 1996)

Colon & rectal cancer at rate of 5.5 vs. low stress Colon & rectal cancer at rate of 5.5 vs. low stress group group (J. Courtney, UCLA School of Public Health, 1994)(J. Courtney, UCLA School of Public Health, 1994)

Sources of Stress for New TeachersSources of Stress for New Teachers White, 1996 White, 1996 (rank order):(rank order):

Lack timeLack time OvercrowdingOvercrowding PaperworkPaperwork Obtain materialsObtain materials Work overloadWork overload Student behaviorStudent behavior Role ambiguityRole ambiguity Work w/parentsWork w/parents Other facultyOther faculty administrationadministration

Boyer & Lee, 2001:Boyer & Lee, 2001: Inclusion in general ed.Inclusion in general ed. Access to gen ed Access to gen ed

curriculumcurriculum Accountability for Accountability for

student progressstudent progress Excessive paperworkExcessive paperwork Work with parentsWork with parents

ProblemProblem-new teachers in -new teachers in toughest situations.toughest situations.

Impact on EducatorsImpact on Educators (2002 report x ISBE?)(2002 report x ISBE?)

Illinois will need 55,000 teachers-4 yearsIllinois will need 55,000 teachers-4 years Early “flight” is part of the problemEarly “flight” is part of the problem 60% increase in departure since 199660% increase in departure since 1996 75% reasons other than retirement75% reasons other than retirement < 5yrs experience=8-11% leave the field< 5yrs experience=8-11% leave the field <3yrs=30% of IL teachers leave the field<3yrs=30% of IL teachers leave the field

Salary, Salary, negative environmentnegative environment, lack support, lack support

Impact on Educators Impact on Educators (cont.)(cont.)Recruiting New Teachers, Inc. Survey Results; July, 2005Recruiting New Teachers, Inc. Survey Results; July, 2005

85% of Principals reported “stress” as a 85% of Principals reported “stress” as a leading factor in teacher departure from fieldleading factor in teacher departure from field

39% of Principals reported that experienced 39% of Principals reported that experienced teachers mention “teachers mention “burn-outburn-out” as a reason for ” as a reason for leaving the fieldleaving the field

Turning to Blogs…Turning to Blogs…V. Strauss; Washington Post Education Writer, April, 2006V. Strauss; Washington Post Education Writer, April, 2006

““Blogs give teachers a way to be heard as never Blogs give teachers a way to be heard as never before” (a felt need?)before” (a felt need?) ““journaling” & “reflecting” on writings = effective teacher journaling” & “reflecting” on writings = effective teacher

induction program component (Tucker, 2000)induction program component (Tucker, 2000)

(by reading blogs) See why “more teachers than ever (by reading blogs) See why “more teachers than ever are leaving the profession feeling exhausted are leaving the profession feeling exhausted (stressed), disillusioned and underpaid.”(stressed), disillusioned and underpaid.”

Impact on Special EducatorsImpact on Special Educators Annual attrition rate 9-10% special educators Annual attrition rate 9-10% special educators

vs. 6% Gen. Ed. teachers (McKnab, 1995)vs. 6% Gen. Ed. teachers (McKnab, 1995)

““Poor teacher working conditions contribute to Poor teacher working conditions contribute to the high rate of special educators leaving the the high rate of special educators leaving the field (10 to 1 ratio?), teacher burn-out, and field (10 to 1 ratio?), teacher burn-out, and substandard quality of education for students substandard quality of education for students with special needs” (CEC, 1998; N=1000) with special needs” (CEC, 1998; N=1000)

Impact on Special Educators Impact on Special Educators (cont.)(cont.)The Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990The Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990

Risk of “distancing” from studentsRisk of “distancing” from students Lower tolerance for frustration (C-)Lower tolerance for frustration (C-) More punitive response More punitive response (“kick the dog”)(“kick the dog”) Classroom management is at riskClassroom management is at risk Self-centered vs. student centered (EBA Self-centered vs. student centered (EBA

depleted)-impaired relationshipsdepleted)-impaired relationships Attention & concentration impairedAttention & concentration impaired Mood/attitude affects othersMood/attitude affects others

Impact of Stress-GeneralImpact of Stress-GeneralH. Mitternight; APA Monitor, April 2006H. Mitternight; APA Monitor, April 2006

Physical & Mental:Physical & Mental: Broad SomaticBroad Somatic HypertensionHypertension ObesityObesity IrritabilityIrritability AnxietyAnxiety DepressionDepression Age correlates Age correlates

Maladaptive responses:Maladaptive responses: Poor diet choicesPoor diet choices Smoking Smoking Alcohol/drugsAlcohol/drugs InactivityInactivity Avoidance Avoidance

(absenteeism)(absenteeism) Comfort eatingComfort eating

Can't eatCan't eat

Can't eat beef ... Mad CowCan't eat beef ... Mad Cow

Can't eat chicken ... Bird fluCan't eat chicken ... Bird flu

Can't eat eggs .Can't eat eggs .

SalmonellaSalmonella

Can't eat pork .. Can't eat pork ..

trichinosistrichinosis

Can't eat fish ..Can't eat fish ..

Mercury and other Mercury and other heavy metalsheavy metals

Can't eat fruits and veggies ...Can't eat fruits and veggies ...insecticides and herbicidesinsecticides and herbicides

HmmmmmmmmmHmmmmmmmmm! !

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M M M M M M M M MM

I believeI believethat leavesthat leaves

CHOCOLATE!

Remember - - - "STRESSED“Remember - - - "STRESSED“spelled backwards is ..spelled backwards is ..

"DESSERTS""DESSERTS"

Teacher Stress: Impact on StudentsTeacher Stress: Impact on StudentsThe Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990)The Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990)

Students already challenged-more sensitive to Students already challenged-more sensitive to external factor impact e.g. poor teachingexternal factor impact e.g. poor teaching

Harder to reboundHarder to rebound Coping skills less adequateCoping skills less adequate Self-worth more jeopardizedSelf-worth more jeopardized BD students especially affected x teacher BD students especially affected x teacher

mood (2+ Parents & ODD)mood (2+ Parents & ODD) More time w/one teacher-reduced escapeMore time w/one teacher-reduced escape Student withdrawal and/or reactivityStudent withdrawal and/or reactivity

Benefits of Reduced Stress..Benefits of Reduced Stress..Shining The Light On A Psychologically Healthy Workplace; APA Shining The Light On A Psychologically Healthy Workplace; APA

Monitor, March, 2006Monitor, March, 2006

To Staff & Students:To Staff & Students: Increased job satisfactionIncreased job satisfaction Better moraleBetter morale Better healthBetter health Increased effectivenessIncreased effectiveness Better “teaching”Better “teaching” Improved PRImproved PR

To Organizations:To Organizations: Improved performance Improved performance

& productivity& productivity Decreased absenteeismDecreased absenteeism Decreased turnoverDecreased turnover Fewer accidents Fewer accidents Lower healthcare costsLower healthcare costs Better morale Better morale

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What do new special education What do new special education teachers report?teachers report?

Billingsley (2005)Billingsley (2005)

75% report that paperwork and routine duties 75% report that paperwork and routine duties interfere with teachinginterfere with teaching

33% report that they don’t have access to 33% report that they don’t have access to curriculum and materialscurriculum and materials

Most report a need for staff development in: Most report a need for staff development in: IEP policies/paperwork, collaboration (gen. IEP policies/paperwork, collaboration (gen. ed. reluctance and role of gen. ed. and para), ed. reluctance and role of gen. ed. and para), modifying instruction, measuring student modifying instruction, measuring student progress, addressing student behaviorprogress, addressing student behavior

Billingsley (2005)

Gerstem. Keating, Yaovanoff, & Harniss (2001)

Gerstem. Keating, Yaovanoff, & Harniss (2001)

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits (Administrative Support)(Administrative Support)

On-site day care proposalOn-site day care proposal Employee wellness fair (Life Time Employee wellness fair (Life Time

Fitness)Fitness) Use of athletic facilitiesUse of athletic facilities Computer buy programComputer buy program

Organizational Support for Special Organizational Support for Special Educators and Para-EducatorsEducators and Para-Educators

Committee work (long range planning, IEP forms/software, Committee work (long range planning, IEP forms/software, curriculum, school improvement, interview)curriculum, school improvement, interview)

Highly Qualified (powerpoint, copy of previous schedules, Highly Qualified (powerpoint, copy of previous schedules, copy of transcripts)copy of transcripts)

Release time for IAA portfoliosRelease time for IAA portfolios Co-teaching common prep periodsCo-teaching common prep periods # of prep periods # of prep periods Reduced case management for work study coordinatorsReduced case management for work study coordinators No sixth assignment or supervision for program teachersNo sixth assignment or supervision for program teachers Encourage observation of other teachersEncourage observation of other teachers Staff development series for para-educatorsStaff development series for para-educators Curriculum guides and resourcesCurriculum guides and resources Team meetings for programs (life skills team, transitions Team meetings for programs (life skills team, transitions

teams, etc.)teams, etc.)

Organizational Support for All Organizational Support for All EducatorsEducators

Extensive staff development in and out of Extensive staff development in and out of district with staff input on agendadistrict with staff input on agenda

Action research/lesson study encouragedAction research/lesson study encouraged Mentor program (choice of mentor, mentors Mentor program (choice of mentor, mentors

design curriculum of mentor program)design curriculum of mentor program) Professional development center offers Professional development center offers

individual tutorials on technology/softwareindividual tutorials on technology/software

Induction & MentoringInduction & Mentoring Hopkins (1997):Hopkins (1997):

Orientation < work, teach in licensed field, mentorOrientation < work, teach in licensed field, mentor Tucker (2000-qualitative study):Tucker (2000-qualitative study):

Buddies, support group, journaling, release time, peer observ’sBuddies, support group, journaling, release time, peer observ’s All beneficial but-review of journaling < future decisions bestAll beneficial but-review of journaling < future decisions best

Cooley & Yavanoff (1996):Cooley & Yavanoff (1996): Stress management wksps-physical/cog coping (5x2hrs)Stress management wksps-physical/cog coping (5x2hrs) Peer collaboration training (3hrs + 1hr x 4 wks)Peer collaboration training (3hrs + 1hr x 4 wks) + teacher emotional state, job satisfaction, organizational + teacher emotional state, job satisfaction, organizational

comittmentcomittment

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Expert InterventionsExpert Interventions SleepSleep more-hormonal imbalance more-hormonal imbalance ExerciseExercise-weight down & repair of neurons -weight down & repair of neurons

damaged x stressdamaged x stress MeditationMeditation-thickens cortex -thickens cortex (S. Lazar, Ph.D., (S. Lazar, Ph.D.,

Mass. General Hosp)Mass. General Hosp) Increased Social Support-Increased Social Support-decreases stress, decreases stress,

increases oxytocin - women (tend/befriend)increases oxytocin - women (tend/befriend) Any Any pleasurable activitypleasurable activity (legal…) (legal…)

Find a relatively easy golf course!

Don’t do stupid things

Non-expert but practical advice..

Expert Advice Expert Advice (cont.)(cont.)

BiofeedbackBiofeedback ( (www.stresseraser.com)) Imagery-RelaxationImagery-Relaxation (go to the Beach…) (go to the Beach…) Let goLet go (literally & mentally-see it differently OR not (literally & mentally-see it differently OR not

at all…)at all…) Centenarians “let go” of their stress more easilyCentenarians “let go” of their stress more easily

HumorHumor-increases blood flow-increases blood flow (U. of Maryland, School of (U. of Maryland, School of Medicine, 2005)Medicine, 2005) Laughter increases endorphines in the brain=joy/euphoriaLaughter increases endorphines in the brain=joy/euphoria ““There is nothing like a good laugh to break the intensity of a situation There is nothing like a good laugh to break the intensity of a situation

and give you much needed and give you much needed perspectiveperspective” (S. Marston, M&F Therapist)” (S. Marston, M&F Therapist)

The Lighter Side of Stress The Lighter Side of Stress ManagementManagement

Accept that somedays you’re the pigeon…Accept that somedays you’re the pigeon… Keep your words soft & sweet…Keep your words soft & sweet… Always read stuff that will make you look good…Always read stuff that will make you look good… Drive carefully…Drive carefully… If you can’t be kind at least…If you can’t be kind at least… If you lend someone 20$ and never see them again…If you lend someone 20$ and never see them again… Consider that it may be your sole purpose in life…Consider that it may be your sole purpose in life… Don’t buy a car…Don’t buy a car…

Lighter Side (cont.)Lighter Side (cont.) Some mistakes…Some mistakes… Nobody cares…Nobody cares… Since it’s the early worm…Since it’s the early worm… The second mouse…The second mouse… When everything’s coming your way…When everything’s coming your way… Birthdays are good for you…Birthdays are good for you… You may be only one person in the world but...You may be only one person in the world but... A truly happy person…A truly happy person…

Sources of HappinessSources of HappinessFrom Happines: Lessons From A New Science x R. Layard, 2005From Happines: Lessons From A New Science x R. Layard, 2005

Friendship & MarriageFriendship & Marriage TrustTrust Status quoStatus quo StatusStatus AdaptationAdaptation $ matters less $ matters less asas have more have more (pre-morbid happiness)(pre-morbid happiness) ““Inner life, Inner life, as muchas much as your outer circumstances” as your outer circumstances” “…“…+ force liberated if overcome our negative + force liberated if overcome our negative

thoughts”thoughts” (pg 230(pg 230)) ““Happiness comes from…” Happiness comes from…” (author unknown)(author unknown)

Cognition Counts!!!Cognition Counts!!! Darwin’s “highest possible stage in a moral culture”Darwin’s “highest possible stage in a moral culture” Epictetus: Not “things” but “views” we “take of Epictetus: Not “things” but “views” we “take of

them”them” Milton: “The minds is its own place…heaven of Milton: “The minds is its own place…heaven of

hell.”hell.” Paul W.: “How you view it…”Paul W.: “How you view it…” ““Beware the stories you tell yourself for you shall Beware the stories you tell yourself for you shall

surely live them” surely live them” (Orson Card)(Orson Card) IAASE Program: “…visions & dreams…” IAASE Program: “…visions & dreams…” (N. Hill)(N. Hill)

ANDAND PRACTICE MAKESPRACTICE MAKES …? …?

Cognition Counts Cognition Counts (cont.)(cont.)

Mind body connection!Mind body connection! Married couples-remember/discuss a recent Married couples-remember/discuss a recent

argument:argument: Appeared calm BUTAppeared calm BUT Blood samplesBlood samples reduced reduced

hormones/cells-immune system suppressionhormones/cells-immune system suppression Hostile negative thinkingHostile negative thinking

Heart DiseaseHeart Disease StrokeStroke

Some Do & Some Don’t…Some Do & Some Don’t…The Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990)The Special Educator & Job Stress; NEA, April, 1990)

High stress & High stress & highhigh burnout burnout:: Passive strategies e.g. venting to othersPassive strategies e.g. venting to others Poor physical healthPoor physical health Alienated from othersAlienated from others External LOCExternal LOC

High stress & High stress & lowlow burnout burnout:: Physically healthierPhysically healthier Commitment & involvement in many aspects of lifeCommitment & involvement in many aspects of life Acceptance of change as a reality of lifeAcceptance of change as a reality of life

Two great truths…Two great truths… BeliefBelief that one can that one can controlcontrol events in life ( events in life (Internal LOCInternal LOC))

Button on the factory wall…Button on the factory wall…

Short Term vs. Long Term StressShort Term vs. Long Term StressLiving Longer: Balance x K. Cheney; AARP, 9/06Living Longer: Balance x K. Cheney; AARP, 9/06

Is stress harmful-depends:Is stress harmful-depends: How How longlong experience it experience it How How perceive itperceive it

Short term good (e.g. aides event memory) if:Short term good (e.g. aides event memory) if: Feel in control (LOC)Feel in control (LOC) Satisfied with adaptation to challengesSatisfied with adaptation to challenges

Long term bad:Long term bad: If poor control (LOC) and resolutionIf poor control (LOC) and resolution

Physical changes e.g. chromosome damage!Physical changes e.g. chromosome damage!

Chromosomes, aging & memory…Chromosomes, aging & memory…E. Epel, Ph.D., Psychologist & Stress Researcher (04 study in AARP, E. Epel, Ph.D., Psychologist & Stress Researcher (04 study in AARP,

9/06)9/06)

Mothers: healthy or “chronic condition” kids:Mothers: healthy or “chronic condition” kids: E.g. CP & AutismE.g. CP & Autism Time & “Time & “own perceptionsown perceptions” of stress level played a ” of stress level played a

““profound”profound” role in their response to stress role in their response to stress Telomeres shortened, aged 9-17 yrsTelomeres shortened, aged 9-17 yrs

Stress-adrenaline-cortisol-”on” too long:Stress-adrenaline-cortisol-”on” too long: < 6 mos-”adjustment” ? < 6 mos-”adjustment” ? > 6 mos-stress is harmful (individual “thing”)> 6 mos-stress is harmful (individual “thing”) Damage to hippocampus Damage to hippocampus (memory mediator-M. Albert, (memory mediator-M. Albert,

Ph.D., John Hopkins Alzheimers Disease Center)Ph.D., John Hopkins Alzheimers Disease Center)

Cognition Counts Cognition Counts (cont.)(cont.)

Four “thought types” that exacerbate stress:Four “thought types” that exacerbate stress: ShouldsShoulds AwfulizingAwfulizing Need statementsNeed statements Human worth ratingsHuman worth ratings

White dog “thinking”White dog “thinking”