Student Wellbeing in China - A Look at Teacher Self-Care and Strategies to Support Students


Date: November 20th, 2021
Time: 14:15 – 17:30 (CST)
Location: Online

What you are going to learn

  • An appreciation of how teacher self-care supports effective teaching and student learning
  • A reflection on areas of personal social emotional competence
  • At least one action item to strengthen personal self-care
  • An overview of developmental and societal challenges students in China face to their wellbeing
  • Awareness of resilience building through use of our language
  • Three tips to positively influence student wellbeing in the classroom
  • At least one action item to take into your classroom to support student wellbeing

Course description

Mental health and wellbeing is a big topic. There is a general trend of declining student wellbeing in China, and teachers are in a unique position to influence and support the students in their care.

In this two-part workshop we will look first at teacher self-care and go through an exercise that considers skills and strategies for teacher social emotional wellbeing. In the second half, we will consider developmental and societal challenges that might impact students' levels of wellbeing and offer strategies teachers can use to support their students. Please come willing to reflect, discuss and engage.

Paula Brunning

Paula Brunning has been working internationally for more than 25 years, first as a teacher and since 2001 as a professional counselor both in a private setting and in schools. She holds a BA in Psychology/Spanish, BEd with Junior/Intermediate specialization, and MSocSc in Counseling. Paula has worked with students from age 2-19. Currently, she is in Shenzhen, China, having completed four years as the high school counselor at Shekou International School, and now working as a counselor in the Shekou community, and a consultant with SIS. Paula is the proud mother of five children, ranging in ages from 10 to 22, so she has a wealth of experience from many perspectives when working with children, teens, families and teachers.