According to RAND, educators are about twice as likely to report experiencing frequent job-related stress or burnout, and roughly 3 times as many teachers report difficulty coping with that stress when compared to similarly working adults.
Stress and burnout disproportionately affect our educators. That means supporting staff well-being isn’t an “extra” initiative — it’s essential to sustaining healthy schools.
May is a great month to take stock of your mental health supports for educators. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, not to mention the demanding home stretch of the academic year, often one of the most challenging times for educators and school staff.
Here are 3 ways—along with tools and upcoming webinars—to support educators in taking care of themselves and each other. (We know May is one of the busiest times of the year, so these are also great options to implement earlier in the year when planning your well-being strategy).
Me Moments – Small pauses can make a meaningful difference
Me Moments are brief, practical strategies adults (and students!) can use to address their needs in the moment – whether in school or at home. These practices can be integrated into existing meetings, classrooms, or even passing periods, with no additional planning required.
- Explore how to use Me Moments with your staff with Self-Regulation at School: Me Moments and More (also available in Español).
- Why not model a Me Moment during your next staff meeting, or take one yourself right now with this My Best Self tool?
Mental Health Awareness Training – Create a culture where mental health conversations feel safe
43% of employees worry that disclosing a mental health issue to their employer will negatively impact them at work. School leaders must foster an environment where mental health discussions are safe and support is valued.
This 35 minute, on-demand training helps staff understand the impact of mental health and wellness in the workplace and introduces practical strategies that support emotional well-being. Staff can access it as needed, or schools can integrate short segments into professional development sessions. An interactive companion guide includes facilitation tips, tools, a PowerPoint, and group activities.
The goal isn’t to add another training requirement, but to normalize mental health as part of workplace well-being.
Trauma-Informed Policy for Staff
Schools often focus on trauma-informed approaches for students. The adults in school also gain from this perspective when workplace policies acknowledge stress and promote well-being, fostering healthier school environments.
As you consider your well-being strategy, use this worksheet to align staff well-being policies and practices with these guiding principles, developed by the Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma Schools (HEARTS) model.
This isn’t about creating new policies from scratch. It’s about aligning what already exists to better support the adults who support students every day.
Good mental health is always on the syllabus. The most effective supports are the ones embedded into everyday practice — not added as another initiative.
Tools & Resources
- Mental Fitness Guide for Employers
- Silence to Support: Navigating Depression and Anxiety with Compassion – May 13 Webinar
- Quiet Cracking: When High Performers Start to Fracture – May 19 Webinar
- We’ve Got Your Back Calendar of Resources
Whenever you promote educator well-being, in May or throughout the year, you strengthen what matters most.
