How to Support Teacher Well-Being During Spring Testing Season

Spring is a stressful time in schools. As a former teacher, I remember well the mix of exhaustion and anxiety that comes with standardized testing season. The long hours of test prep, the pressure to ensure students perform well, and the inevitable stress that comes with the whole process — it can take a toll. 

Schools focus heavily on student success, but teacher well-being during this time is equally important. And as a school leader, you play a crucial role in supporting your teachers so they not only survive testing season but make it through with their well-being intact. 

Below are a few practical ways you can help your teachers navigate this challenging time. 

1. Acknowledge the Stress and Show Appreciation 

First and foremost, let’s talk about recognition. Testing season can feel like an uphill battle, but simply knowing your school leadership sees the effort teachers are putting in can help. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. 

• Write personal notes of encouragement to teachers. 
• Provide small tokens of appreciation, like a snack station in the teachers’ lounge or surprise coffee deliveries. 
• Give teachers time and space to vent. This could be a casual check-in or dedicated time during a staff meeting where you acknowledge teachers’ hard work and encourage them to voice any concerns.

2. Protect Teacher Planning Time 

Spring is packed with meetings, last-minute schedule changes, and unexpected demands. One of the best ways to support teachers is by protecting their planning time. 

• Avoid scheduling unnecessary meetings during testing season. 
• Offer coverage so teachers can step away for a short break. 
• Ensure teachers have uninterrupted time to prepare their lessons, grade assignments, and reset mentally. 

Time is one of the most valuable resources for educators — help them protect it! 

3. Provide Emotional and Mental Health Support 

The pressure of testing can cause anxiety, burnout, and frustration. Proactively supporting teachers’ mental well-being can make a big difference.  

• Provide access to counseling services or mental health support. 
• Host short mindfulness or stress-management sessions. 
• Encourage staff to take short breaks when needed. 

Even simple activities like guided breathing exercises, stretching breaks, or having a quiet space available can help teachers reset their energy. 

4. Reduce Unnecessary Paperwork and Extra Responsibilities 

Teachers are already juggling lesson planning, test prep, and classroom management. Adding more tasks on top of that can push them over the edge. Take a look at the additional responsibilities on their plates and ask: 

• Are there non-essential tasks that can be postponed until after testing season? 
• Can administrative staff take over certain paperwork duties? 
• Is there a way to streamline grading expectations during this time? 

Every little bit of flexibility helps ease the burden. 

5. Encourage a Positive, Low-Stress Testing Environment 

Testing season doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes pressure cooker. Creating a calm and positive environment benefits teachers and students.  

• Encourage teachers to keep a balanced perspective — remind them that student success is about growth, not just test scores. 
• Reduce the emphasis on test performance in meetings and conversations. 
• Provide fun, low-stakes activities in between testing days to help students and teachers decompress. 

A supportive, relaxed testing atmosphere makes a world of difference in reducing stress. 

6. Check in and Offer Flexibility  

Sometimes, the best support is a simple check-in. Make it a habit to stop by classrooms, send a quick email, or ask teachers directly how they’re holding up. If there’s flexibility in deadlines, duties, or schedules, offer it where you can. 

For example: 

• Allow teachers to take a mental health day without guilt. 
• Offer optional “quiet work time” where teachers can catch up on grading in a peaceful space. 
• Give teachers input on scheduling so they don’t feel blindsided by last-minute changes. 

Supporting Your Teachers This Testing Season and Beyond 

Spring testing season will always bring challenges, but with the right support, teachers can make it through without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. By showing appreciation, protecting their time, and fostering a positive school environment, you can help your teachers thrive this testing season. 

At Moreland University, we believe teacher well-being is key to student success. If you’re looking for more strategies to support and empower your educators, subscribe to our monthly Shaping Education newsletter and explore how partnering with Moreland can support you and your teachers.