Why Staff Wellbeing Matters: Supporting Educators in the Age of the Drama Series Adolescence

Staff wellbeing is often misunderstood and reduced to surface level gestures, yet it is crucial for fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Teachers are not just educators they are mentors, role models and sometimes the only stable adult in a student’s life. When emotions run high and behaviours escalate, staff need to feel safe, supported and equipped to manage the demands of their role.

The Impact of Behaviour on Staff

The Netflix drama Adolescence highlights the emotional turmoil many young people face and the burden it places on educators. The character of the History Teacher, who has clearly given up, is a stark reminder of what happens when staff are left unsupported - burnout, disillusionment and resignation. For those working in schools, these stories feel familiar.

Students often act out not for attention but as a reaction to trauma or stress. Without the right systems in place, teachers can feel anxious, overwhelmed and unsafe in their own workplace.

In my early career, I worked in a school with passionate staff, yet there were times when student behaviour felt genuinely intimidating. I wasn't afraid because I lacked skill,  I felt genuinely fearfulI because I lacked the tools to understand and process what was happening. Without knowledge of trauma, emotional regulation or supervision, even the most committed staff can burn out. Passion alone isn’t enough; consistent support and reflective practice are essential to manage the emotional toll of school life.

Trauma Informed Practice

Understanding behaviour through a trauma informed lens changes everything. Many students are not trying to be difficult, they’re coping with stress or pain. When trained in trauma informed approaches, staff can:

• Recognize the root causes of behaviour

• Respond with empathy instead of frustration

• Set supportive boundaries

• Use de-escalation techniques effectively

Understanding why a student acts out helps teachers respond rather than react. But knowledge isn’t enough, teachers also need spaces to process their own emotional wellbeing.

Transference and Countertransference

One crucial element when discussing student behaviour and staff wellbeing is the role of transference and countertransference. Students often project their past experiences, emotions, and unmet needs onto teachers, who may unconsciously respond in ways influenced by their own personal histories and emotional triggers. Without awareness and proper training, these dynamics can lead to emotional exhaustion and impact staff wellbeing.

For example, a student who has experienced rejection may act out aggressively toward a teacher, unknowingly seeking confirmation of their negative self-beliefs. The teacher, in turn, might react defensively or feel personally hurt, rather than recognizing the deeper need for reassurance and stability. Without the right support structures in place, such emotional entanglements can contribute to stress, frustration, and burnout among staff.

Understanding transference and countertransference helps educators:

• Maintain professional boundaries while responding with empathy.

• Recognize when their own emotional responses may be influenced by personal experiences.

• Seek supervision and reflective practice to process challenging interactions.

• Develop self-awareness and emotional regulation strategies to manage stress.

Addressing these psychological dynamics is essential in creating a supportive and resilient teaching environment. This is exactly what supervision is for, providing professionals with a safe space to process their experiences, reflect on emotional responses and develop strategies to maintain their own wellbeing while supporting their students effectively. 

Building a Support System

No teacher should have to navigate difficult situations alone. Schools must foster a culture where staff wellbeing is prioritized and where teachers and support staff feel safe discussing their challenges. 3 Ways to create this support system include:

• Regular Supervision & Debriefing Sessions: Providing spaces where staff can openly discuss difficult experiences with a trained supervisor or peer group helps prevent internalized stress.

• Peer Support Networks: Encouraging a culture where colleagues support one another and share strategies for managing difficult situations.

• Leadership That Listens: School leaders must actively listen to staff concerns and implement policies that prioritize their wellbeing.

A Culture of Care

Teachers give so much every day. But no one can pour from an empty cup. Supporting staff isn’t just about retention, it’s about creating schools where people thrive. Adolescence reminds us that young people need safe, trusted adults. But so do the adults. Staff wellbeing is a crucial fix that needs to be part of the conversation around student success.