Teaching in Tumultuous Times
Friday, 10/31/2024
Let's face it. Life these days can feel unpredictable and tense because of the polarized U.S. election, international tensions, global conflicts, and the impacts of climate change.
In this coming election week, we may see all sorts of divided reactions on campus. Whether your classes are directly connected to themes in the election or not, you may find emotions running high. As you meet with your students, be ready to acknowledge the complicated time we’re living through, and take care of your own needs as well. This can be overwhelming, so below are some tips and resources for supporting your students and yourself.
Connect with your students
Regardless of your discipline, you can still acknowledge the effects of this tension. Even taking a moment to name it can let students know you’re aware that we’re all working under extra pressure. We all might need some grace this week.
Support student wellness with the help of others
During turbulent times, the emotional labor associated with teaching can increase. You can support student wellness by connecting them with others who can help, by making referrals and/or distributing information about these resources:
- UVM Center for Health and Wellbeing, including but not limited to Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS)
- UVM Identity Centers, providing spaces for building belonging
- UVM Center for Academic Success, for a variety of academic support resources
- UVM CARE Team, for students who need timely outreach and support
Prioritize your own wellness. Here are some tips:
- Protect your time and set boundaries. Clearly communicate to students the scope of help you can reasonably provide them, and use the resources above when you’re at capacity.
- Utilize UVM’s Employee Wellness Programs and Resources, including but not limited to One-on-One Wellness Coaching and Group Health and Wellness Coaching for Employees
- Want to continue the conversation? Join the Teaching in Turbulent Times cohort co-hosted by Writing in the Disciplines and the CTL. It meets Mondays (on Teams) from 2:30-3:30pm, on 11/4, 11/18, 12/2. (Join us for one or all meetings!) To learn how to join, email wid@uvm.edu.
Select references and resources:
- University of Oregon’s Teaching in Turbulent Times Toolkit
- Watch UVM CTL’s May 2024 Teaching in Tumultuous Times Panel discussion (video)