“We, as teachers, instinctively, are always there for the child,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew told a full house of UFT members. “But we are losing our colleagues” as overwhelmed educators leave the field. “We’re under the greatest stress that I’ve ever seen in this profession.”

The morning town hall at the UFT’s Spring Education Conference was devoted to self-care, stress reduction and wellness. Panelists included a school social worker, a naturopathic doctor, an instructional coach and representatives from the UFT’s Member Assistance Program and MindUp, the union’s new social-emotional learning partner.

“Boundaries are not for other people, they are for us,” said Liza Reyes, a UFT Teacher Center site coach at PS/IS 266 in Queens. “If you are not OK, you cannot take care of anyone else.”

Members from the audience took the mic to ask about compassion fatigue, how students can support each other and work-life balance.

The panelists all urged educators to remember the power of community and never to be afraid to ask for help.

“If you’re struggling, don’t stuff it down — talk about it,” said Michelle Jervis, a school social worker at IS 391 in the Bronx. “You have a tribe. You have colleagues who understand your day-to-day troubles.”