Navigating Stress Before a Break

As December unfolds, the holiday season brings not only joy and celebration but also a noticeable increase in stress and classroom challenges across schools. In education, the end of the year often leads to a rise in student behavior issues and heightened stress among teachers and staff. While festive activities can uplift spirits, they also tend to amplify existing pressures within the school community. Recognizing and proactively managing holiday stress in schools is key to maintaining a positive learning environment.

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, I share six practical tips for school leaders and educators to navigate seasonal stress effectively. You'll also find powerful reflection questions designed to help you pinpoint stress hotspots and strengthen emotional resilience within your building. Let’s work together to lead with calm, clarity, and purpose through December—and set the stage for a strong start to the new year.


Navigating Stress Before a Break