Why Do Teachers Need to Know About Psychology?: Strengthening Professional Identity and Well-Being

The book "Psychology in Education: Supporting Pupils' Psychological Development" explores how psychology can support teaching practice in educational settings. It covers different situations within a teacher's roles and responsibilities and how this relates to their professional identity. The book is written by a team of practitioners and psychologists and provides the latest research and current practice. It also encourages teachers to consider and develop their own views, beliefs, and values and explores why it is their responsibility to make use of psychology to ensure the best possible opportunities for children and young people and their own growth in their professional journey.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

As a teacher, there are numerous personal, social, and emotional responsibilities in supporting pupils with psychological development. Psychology has played a significant role in educational practice since its inception, but understanding its practical implications in contemporary educational settings can be challenging. To address this, the team draws upon a wide range of disciplines, including developmental, health, educational, and child psychology, as well as organizational and counseling perspectives. This book explores how psychology can support teaching practices across different contexts, from rural early years settings to large urban secondary schools.

By examining various situations within a teacher's roles and responsibilities, the book aims to provide insights into what this means for understanding their professional identity. Expertly crafted by Jeremy Monsen, Lisa Marks Woolfson, and James Boyle, the book brings together the expertise of a team of practitioners and psychologists. The team also supports readers to consider and develop their own views, beliefs, and values, while exploring why it is their responsibility as educators to make use of psychology not only to ensure the best possible opportunities for children and young people but also for their own growth in their professional journey.

In supporting pupils with psychological development, teachers play a crucial role in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. This includes being aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues in students and providing appropriate support and referral services when necessary. Teachers can also promote positive mental health by incorporating mindfulness and self-care practices into their teaching and by creating a culture of respect and empathy within the classroom.

Furthermore, teachers have a responsibility to address social and emotional development in their students. This includes promoting social skills, empathy, and resilience, and helping students develop a sense of belonging and self-worth. Teachers can also provide opportunities for students to engage in social and emotional learning experiences, such as group projects, peer mentoring, and counseling services.

In addition to their personal and social responsibilities, teachers also have emotional responsibilities in supporting pupils with psychological development. Teachers may experience emotional stress and burnout as a result of their work with students who are struggling with mental health issues. It is important for teachers to take care of their own mental health and well-being, and to seek support and resources when necessary.

Overall, as a teacher, there are numerous personal, social, and emotional responsibilities in supporting pupils with psychological development. By understanding the latest research and current practice in psychology, teachers can provide effective support and opportunities for their students to thrive.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 250 x 177 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350084865