This summer, Benjamin Logan Superintendent John Scheu attended an excellent seminar on Managing Burnout presented by Benjamin Logan graduate, Jeannie Dempster, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, and Director of Mental Health Services at TCN Behavioral Health. He referred to his own professional learning on this topic as a theme for his back-to-school message.
In his opening address to the Benjamin Logan staff, Scheu pointed out “For those of you in the trenches (teachers, bus drivers, cooks, secretaries, custodians), there are so many things you can do to make a positive impact on students. Take the time to listen, console, and understand how burnout can happen to anyone.”
Scheu talked about the difference between burnout and stress and emphasized to the staff, “We need to take care of ourselves, take care of the new teachers that are part of the Benjamin Logan family, and make sure people enjoy where they’re working.”
Scheu’s message to the entire staff reiterated, “We need to take care of others, and also the students that we serve and be positive role models for students. We have more of an impact on students than anybody, but parents.”
Contrary to common misconceptions, our top performers are at the highest risk of employee burnout. Scheu referred to the following characteristics of a person with burnout:
- Ambitious, competitive, controlling, and perfectionistic personalities
- Hard-working
- High levels of engagement
- Helping professionals, such as first responders and doctors, nurses, and mental health providers
- Strong need for recognition
- Tendency not to delegate tasks
- Caregiver traits such as self-deprivation, compassion, and a strong sense of personal responsibility
In conclusion, Scheu also talked about improvements made on campus over the summer including the turf field, the new track, the new band tower, revitalized mulch and flowerbeds, and paving completed in the parking lots.
Before the mic was turned over to the principals to introduce their new staff, Scheu put a plug-in for the United Way. He shared his belief that of all the organizations in the county, the United Way benefits more students and families that we serve as educators than any other organization as he encouraged the staff to contribute and support the United Way during the workplace campaign.
The morning began with a staff breakfast served by Chris Cakes of Ohio, sponsored by Citizens Federal Savings and Loan, and ended with an outstanding performance by the BLHS Standing Ovation Show Choir.
