In a recent government meeting, mental health professionals Katie Schultz and Christina Busco presented an overview of their well-being program aimed at supporting educators within the Wayzata school district. The program, which has seen significant growth since its inception, focuses on providing flexible mental health services tailored to the unique needs of school staff.

Schultz, a licensed addiction counselor and clinical social worker, and Busco, a licensed professional clinical counselor, highlighted the importance of mental health support for educators, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They shared compelling statistics from recent studies indicating a strong correlation between teacher well-being and student success, with 93% of studies showing a positive relationship between the two.

The program offers a range of services, including individual therapy sessions that can be scheduled flexibly around staff availability, as well as group training sessions addressing various mental health topics. Notably, the program does not impose limits on the number of sessions, allowing staff to seek help as needed without the constraints typically associated with insurance billing.

The presenters emphasized the program's accessibility, noting that staff can often be seen within two weeks, a stark contrast to the lengthy wait times for traditional mental health services. They also underscored the confidentiality of the program, which has contributed to its growing popularity among educators.

As the program continues to expand, Schultz and Busco aim to implement a progressive training series throughout the school year, addressing common themes such as anxiety and burnout that educators face at different times of the academic calendar. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with other districts expressing interest in replicating the model due to its success.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for mental health resources in educational settings and the positive impact such programs can have on both staff and students. The ongoing commitment to supporting educator well-being is seen as a vital investment in the overall health of the school community.