ESL Teachers Request Increased Mental Health Resources
In a recent survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center, English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers highlighted the need for additional mental health support in schools. The survey, which polled over 2,500 teachers, revealed that ESL teachers nationally feel that the hiring of more mental health counselors would significantly improve their morale.
ESL teachers often find themselves juggling responsibilities beyond teaching English and providing language development support. They are frequently tasked with translating information, interpreting for families during special education meetings, and serving as liaisons between families and schools. This additional workload can be overwhelming, especially considering the unique social-emotional challenges that ESL students face.
Many ESL students are navigating stress from heightened immigration enforcement in their communities, as well as the challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and country. These circumstances can lead to a variety of mental health needs for English learners, who are often U.S.-born citizens and have traditionally been marginalized by the education system.
The stresses of immigration and language acquisition can manifest in students, causing frustration, tears, and anger due to slow English-language acquisition or feelings of being lost after being high-achieving in their home country. ESL teachers often function as counselors in addition to their teaching roles, providing mental health support for their students.
However, the counseling workload can take a toll over time. ESL teachers are more likely to work in urban, high-poverty schools with majority Hispanic student populations, particularly in the Northeast and South. In these schools, students are more likely to live in poverty and have parents who may not be familiar with the education system, which can intensify their social-emotional needs.
Mental health counselors trained specifically to support ESL teachers and their students are crucial for helping ESL teachers feel supported. These counselors are often bilingual or culturally competent, working in schools, community centers, and educational organizations. Counselors trained in handling students' experiences are essential for supporting ESL teachers in their work, especially as students continue to recover from trauma caused by the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maggie Marcus, a fellow at the Century Foundation, has found that ESL teachers typically have workloads that extend beyond their teaching responsibilities. The hiring of more mental health counselors could help alleviate some of this burden, allowing ESL teachers to focus more on their primary role: teaching English and supporting the language development of their students.
In conclusion, the need for mental health support in ESL education is evident. By hiring more mental health counselors, schools can provide the necessary resources for ESL teachers to better support their students and improve their own job satisfaction.
