Home » On This World Mental Health Day, Let’s Prioritize the Well-being of Our Educators

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme centers on prioritizing mental health in the workplace. For those of us in education, this means turning our attention to the well-being of our educators and staff—a need that has never been more urgent. 

Educators face significant challenges, often resulting in mental health struggles. In fact, a 2023 Pew Research Center survey highlighted the intensity of these challenges, finding: 

  • 77% of teachers reporting frequent job-related stress, 
  • 68% describing their work as overwhelming, 
  • 70% stating their schools are understaffed. 

The good news? There are practical, research-backed solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of educators. One of the most effective solutions is EmpowerU’s Educator Resilience and Mental Health Training, a program designed to help teachers build the skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

EmpowerU’s Educator Resilience and Mental Health Training 

EmpowerU, part of Catapult Learning, offers a comprehensive, on-demand resilience and mental health training program for educators. The program is tailored to meet the busy lives of teachers and equips them with the strategies they need to support both their own mental well-being and that of their students.

Available in 6-hour and 12-hour versions, the program combines self-paced lessons with daily, personalized 1:1 coaching support from an EmpowerU coach. Teachers learn skills to support their well-being and apply what they’ve learned in real time to improve their classroom dynamics. 

Educators not only gain the tools to manage their own stress and anxiety, but they also acquire strategies to help their students improve resilience, behavior, and engagement. The program is proven to: 

  • Lower educator stress and increase motivation. 
  • Drive measurable improvements in student behavior and academic engagement. 
  • Provide cost-effective staff training and retention solutions. 

98% of educators found EmpowerU’s Educator Resilience and Self-Care course helpful to their well-being and improved their ability to support students. 

A Success Story: Marshall County Central

EmpowerU’s impact on educator well-being is evident in schools like Marshall County Central. Through a partnership with the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA), over 40 educators participated in EmpowerU’s Educator Resilience and Mental Health Training course. The outcomes were remarkable: 

 EmpowerU has greatly improved my daily life, helping me learn to manage my anxiety and stress. I now feel more confident in my social environment and am better equipped to build relationships with my students and colleagues.” 

Educator, Marshall County Central

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that prioritizing the mental well-being of educators is essential for both their success and the success of their students. By supporting our teachers, we create healthier, more resilient learning environments for everyone.