Supporting the People Who Support Students

Practical tools for sustaining compassion, connection, and well-being throughout the school year.

By Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum, Mental Health and Resilience Group

Every August, schools come alive with possibility.

Fresh bulletin boards.

New lesson plans.

Hallways waiting to be filled with students.

A renewed sense of hope for the year ahead.

But alongside that hope, many educators are also carrying something much quieter.

Fatigue.

Uncertainty.

The weight of supporting students while balancing their own lives, families, and communities.

Over the past several years, I've had the privilege of working alongside educators across the country—from classroom teachers and school counselors to administrators and district leaders. One thing continues to stand out to me.

Educators rarely need to be reminded how to care for students.

They need permission—and support—to care for themselves and one another, too.

That's why I created this resource page.

Not as another list of things to add to your already full plate.

But as a place to pause.

To reflect.

To reconnect with the reason you chose this work in the first place.

Because I don't believe sustainable schools are built simply by asking educators to become more resilient.

I believe they're built by creating cultures where the people doing the caring are supported, valued, and able to continue finding meaning in their work.

I hope you'll explore the resources below, share them with colleagues, and most importantly, remember that caring for yourself and caring for others are not competing priorities.

They're deeply connected.

Explore the Collection

Practice Self-Compassion

Because the voice you use with yourself matters just as much as the voice you use with your students.

Why it matters

Educators often extend compassion freely to everyone around them while holding themselves to impossible standards. Self-compassion isn't lowering the bar—it's recognizing our shared humanity and responding to ourselves with the same kindness we offer others.

Try this

When things feel difficult, pause and remind yourself:

"This is hard."

"I'm human."

"I deserve the same compassion I give to others."

Continue Learning

• Self-Compassion — Kristin Neff

• Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

  
  

Protect Your Capacity

Because sustainable caring requires restoration, not just endurance.

Why it matters

The goal isn't to do more.

The goal is to protect the energy you'll need to continue doing meaningful work.

Try this

Ask yourself:

What helps me feel most like myself outside of work?

Then schedule one small act of restoration this week—not because you've earned it, but because you need it.

Continue Learning

• The Burnout Cure — Chase Mielke

• The Connection Cure — Julia Hotz

• Headspace for Educators

  
  

Build a Culture of Care

Because no one should have to carry this work alone.

Why it matters

Supporting educator well-being isn't just an individual responsibility.

Healthy school cultures are built when colleagues care for one another, leaders create psychological safety, and asking for help is seen as strength—not weakness.

Try this

Ask a colleague:

"How are you really doing?"

Then listen without trying to fix anything.

Sometimes connection is the intervention.

Continue Learning

• Together — Dr. Vivek Murthy

• We Belong — Laurie Barron & Patti Kinney

  
  

Cultivate Compassion Satisfaction

Because the work is hard—but it is also deeply meaningful.

Why it matters

Compassion satisfaction is the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from helping others. Reconnecting with those moments can help sustain us during challenging seasons.

Try this

Think back over the past month.

When did you leave school thinking,

"This is why I do this work."

Write down that story.

Keep it.

Return to it often.

Continue Learning

• Onward — Elena Aguilar

  
  

A Question I'm Carrying

How do we create schools where both students and adults can thrive?

I don't think one program or one workshop will answer that question.

But I do believe the conversation is worth having.

Continue the Conversation

If these ideas resonate with your school or district, I'd love to partner with you.

Mental Health & Resilience Group works with schools across the country through keynote speaking, professional learning, leadership retreats, and strategic planning focused on educator well-being, sustainable caring, belonging, and creating healthier school cultures.

→ Learn more about working together