The Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) recently interviewed Dr. Laura García Valladares, a teacher educator and researcher specialist in teacher self-caring, who works closely with future educators in the European University of The Atlantic, in Santander.
With a background in education and research focused on mindfulness and compassionate communication, she spends a lot of time thinking about how teachers can better support both their students and themselves.
We asked her about the pressures educators are facing right now and what she thinks actually helps.
Here’s what stood out.
“What pressures are future teachers dealing with the most?”
Laura explained that it really depends on the context, but in general teachers are juggling a lot
One of the big challenges is classroom size. Teachers have many students in the classes where they want to create more personalized, inclusive learning experiences for the students but with the high number of students, it’s not easy.
There’s also increasing diversity in classrooms. Many different learning needs, backgrounds, and family situations, not all teachers feel equipped with strategies to handle it confidently.
And something important: teacher well-being still isn’t prioritized enough at an institutional level. Teachers are expected to take care of everyone else, but their own health often gets pushed aside.
What happens when future teachers actually take care of themselves?
Laura has firsthand experience because she works with future teachers and she can see the shift clearly.
When teachers start prioritizing their well-being, they’re more present. Their mood improves. They approach challenges with more calm and perspective. They collaborate better.
Self-care doesn’t just impact the individual it changes the classroom atmosphere.
How can professional support help?
Laura talked about how important community can be. Having a space where educators can collaborate and talk about their experiences makes a huge difference. It reduces isolation and also increases happiness within the workplace so it’s definitely important for teachers to get professional and peer support. She also emphasizes that self-care should be practiced consistently. This means staying active, taking care of your body through proper rest, nurturing healthy relationships, managing stress before it builds up, and making time for activities that help clear your mind.
On March 5th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a new session of the teacher well-being program related to the DigitalTA community will take place. This project, funded by the European Union and led by UNEATLANTICO, was awarded one of the best European projects of 2025.
The DigitalTA learning community currently has more than 1,300 young teachers and student teachers who meet monthly to freely reflect on topics of interest to the young teacher community… in a safe and collaborative space that fosters peer-to-peer solutions. You are welcome!
“Start by reserving one hour a day for yourself — just for you — without guilt or excuses.”
Set aside one hour for your well-being and become part of a supportive community for future educators.
Register here.
