Teacher’s Tip: Use Essential Oils in the Classroom

By Caryn Gelmann

Since our kids are heading back to the school, we wanted to highlight classroom teachers this month. Teachers really do deserve our appreciation for all their hard work. Many of them go above and beyond with their own time, money, and resources because they care deeply about their students. And many find that using essential oils in the classroom help their students feel calmer and more attentive..

I decided to interview a teacher I know really well, my son, Jason. He’s currently a middle school teacher in California. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or someone who enjoys learning, you’ll appreciate these suggestions.

Tell us about your background.
I teach English, World History, and Speech and Debate. I will be starting my 23rd year as a classroom teacher in either California, Oregon, or Hawaii.

What motivated you to get into teaching?
I was motivated to become a teacher because I want to make a positive impact in the community. I also enjoy working with children and youth, especially in adolescence, because it’s challenging and rewarding to help someone earn an education.

How have you been using essential oils in the classroom?
I’ve been diffusing essential oils in my classroom for about 12 years. I run a diffuser each morning when I arrive to my classroom for 30-60 minutes before the students arrive. Some days, I will run a diffuser at lunch as well.

Which are your favorite oils or blends for the classroom?
I use e3 blends exclusively because they are already expertly mixed for me. My favorite is the Be Calm blend and I start by diffusing that most days. After that, I like to diffuse Stress Relief or Concentrate if I have planned a test or quiz or writing assignment. Also, I’ll diffuse Calming blends during lunch to help rambunctious students relax when they arrive after lunch break.

What are some of the challenges teachers face and how can essential oils help?
Essential oils help with stress relief for me and my students. They also seem to help with concentration and focus. In my opinion, they are most effective as part of my overall strategy to keep my classroom a clean, healthy, and happy learning environment. Many students comment immediately that my classroom smells fresh and clean when they enter and that the aroma helps them feel welcome and glad to be there.

How do parents and other teachers respond to aromatherapy in the classroom?
Like many students, most adults comment on how good my classroom smells when they arrive and inquire about which blend I’m using or which notes are in the blend. I do try to explain the difference between using therapeutic quality oils and common fragrances as much as I can. One note of caution: there have been a few instances when a particular student is hypersensitive to aromas in general, or specific notes, so I’m really paying attention to feedback students give me.

It’s recommended that educators consult their school district’s policy before using essential oils in the classroom.

Thanks Jason for taking the time to share how you create a better learning environment by using essential oils in the classroom. For the rest of the month, we’re going to be sharing more tips on Facebook and Instagram on how educators can use essential oils to support learning. Please join the conversation!