By Linsey Covert
I looked out at a cafeteria full of Kindergarten to 5th grade teachers from across the district I was there to present to on a professional development day. It was mid-year, so I expected to see some fatigue—that’s normal. But as I prepared to deliver a presentation on student social, emotional, and mental health, I sensed something deeper than that.
The energy wasn’t just tired. It was heavier. The counselor in me recognized it: I felt some sense of exhaustion and hopelessness. It became evident that I was standing in a room full of many teachers who were struggling with their own mental health and well-being.
I often scan the room before I begin presenting, trying to match my energy to the audience’s needs. And on this day, my gut told me to start with a simple, genuine question:
“How are you today?”
It wasn’t meant to be a polite greeting—it was a very real question. I was intentional with my tone and body language and made eye contact with several teachers as I asked. Almost immediately, I saw tears streaming down some faces. In that moment, I knew my planned content could wait.
What those teachers needed most wasn’t another strategy or framework for students. They needed space, care, and acknowledgment for themselves.
The appreciation teachers had that day was overwhelming. Many approached me at the end of the day. I had several offers to go to lunch or out for coffee. What I did was simple but more meaningful and impactful than I could have imagined. That day changed some of my perspectives on how we best support the mental health of our students. It reminded me that the work of supporting student mental health is inseparable from supporting the mental health of educators.
Why Educator Wellness Matters
Research consistently shows that students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and a sense of belonging [CASEL, 2020; Cornell University, 2021]. But here’s the truth: teachers can only create that kind of environment if their own social, emotional, and mental well-being is supported.
And yet, teachers report some of the highest occupational stress and burnout rates of any profession [American Federation of Teachers, 2022; RAND, 2021]. Studies also reveal that overall school-wide wellbeing is strongly tied to educator wellness [National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, 2022]. In other words: when teachers thrive, schools thrive—and so do students.
So how do we start building systems that prioritize and support educator wellness?
Four Ways to Support Educator Wellness
1. Truly Understand and Invest Time into How Educators Are Doing
Supporting teacher mental health starts with genuine connection. Invest in meaningful check-ins—this can be through training, professional development, or anonymous surveys. Many school leaders wonder, “What are the best mental health support programs for teachers?” The answer often begins with simple but intentional listening. Take the time to gain critical feedback in a way that doesn’t intimidate teachers but instead builds trust. This requires strategy around who is best to lead discussions and focus groups. Don’t just collect data—act on it.
2. Create a Wellness-Focused Environment
To strengthen educator emotional well-being, leaders must turn insights into action. Based on what surveys reveal, implement reasonable requests to show educators that leadership is listening. Create environments where recognition, appreciation, and stress management for teachers are part of the culture. Some leaders ask, “How can schools improve educator emotional well-being?” One way is by leaning on district mental health teams, allowing them to become advocates for wellness. Empower these professionals to build committees that focus not only on students but also on the mental health resources for teachers who support them every day.
3. Tap Into the Power of Community
Overcoming teacher burnout isn’t just about individual effort—it requires collective action. Wellness thrives in community. Collaboration with local organizations can create new opportunities for team-building, appreciation, and shared support. Many educators ask, “What is the best way to prevent teacher burnout?” The answer lies in meaningful partnerships, consistent acknowledgment, and ensuring educator voices are part of decision-making. When schools and communities unite, educators feel valued and more connected, helping reduce stress and isolation.
4. Co-Create Wellness Plans With Educators
One of the most powerful insights from teachers is this: “Don’t tell us how to take care of our wellness.” Effective self-care strategies for educators are not dictated from the top down but co-created with staff. Many districts wrestle with the question, “What are practical self-care strategies for educators?” The most effective approach is to involve educators directly in wellness planning. Tailor your district’s plan to reflect the unique needs, voices, and culture of your staff and community.
The Bottom Line
The social, emotional, and mental health of educators isn’t optional—it’s essential. When we prioritize the well-being of teachers, we’re not only supporting them but also fostering healthier students and stronger communities. It might just start with a simple, sincere question: “How are you today?”
Because the most impactful mental health resources for teachers often begin when we stop talking at educators—and start listening to them.
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