On Thursday, February 6th, the Office of Community Schools hosted one of many Professional Learning sessions, providing participants with professional development and skill-building opportunities to enhance their support roles. These sessions serve as a cornerstone for ongoing education, ensuring that educators, administrators, and community partners are equipped with the latest strategies to better serve students and families.
"Take a moment to consider how you will use your voice." With these words, Lisa Rochford, Director of Capacity Building, delivered an inspiring welcome before introducing the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and leadership in strengthening the community schools model. The keynote speaker reinforced these ideas, highlighting the critical role of community schools in youth development and fostering cooperation between faculty and parents to ensure high-quality education for all students. A key pillar of this thriving system is wellness—both at the individual and systemic levels.
As part of the session, participants had the opportunity to engage in various self-selected workshops tailored to their interests and needs. Mind Open Learning Strategies led one of these workshops, titled Beyond Self-Care. This session emphasized the crucial role of self-care in academic success—not just for students but also for faculty, parents, and all stakeholders involved in education. Recognizing that well-being is foundational to effective teaching and learning, the workshop explored practical strategies for integrating self-care into daily routines.
Systemic challenges often undermine the value of community schools. Factors such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and limited access to healthcare create significant barriers to student success. However, community engagement is essential in overcoming these obstacles. The workshop underscored that addressing these challenges requires an intentional focus on self-care as a means of fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. When individuals care for themselves, they are better equipped to support others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.
The first step in addressing the neglect of self-care is acknowledging how we may overlook our own needs while helping others. While aiding others is rewarding, maintaining balance is necessary. Consider how often you feel worn out, emotionally drained, or struggle to separate work from personal life. During our workshop, we encouraged participants to reflect on how their roles have both positively and negatively impacted their well-being. Their insights underscored the importance of adopting a wellness-focused mindset, one that prioritizes sustainability and resilience.
A critical component of this discussion was trauma and its far-reaching effects. Trauma influences our daily lives in profound ways. Primary (direct) trauma stems from personal experiences, while vicarious (indirect) trauma results from supporting those who have experienced distress. While empathy is a strength, it can also be emotionally taxing. Recognizing how trauma affects us helps in setting boundaries, managing stress, and advocating for our well-being. By fostering environments where individuals feel empowered to address their own emotional needs, we can create healthier, more supportive workplaces.
To further explore these themes, we organized breakout rooms where participants discussed three key questions, sharing diverse perspectives and engaging in meaningful dialogue. These discussions illuminated practical ways to both seek and provide support, strengthening the collective commitment to well-being. Below are the three questions and key insights shared during the breakout sessions:
How can we support one another when trauma exposure is the norm? Team-building activities create safe spaces for connection, fostering trust and emotional check-ins. Without these opportunities, individuals may struggle to express themselves or seek help. Strategies like "tap-in" and "tap-out" moments allow staff to take necessary breaks, helping maintain well-being and prevent burnout. Encouraging open dialogue and normalizing conversations about mental health can also foster a culture of mutual support and understanding.
How can supervisors support direct reports in navigating vicarious trauma? Supervisors play a vital role in fostering supportive workplaces. Beyond task delegation, they should actively engage in team-building activities and daily interactions that promote well-being. Regular check-ins and case conferences provide structured opportunities to discuss employee needs, offering a safe space to address challenges and find solutions. Clear communication about available resources, as well as encouraging staff to share effective coping strategies, strengthens the overall support system. When supervisors lead by example—prioritizing their own well-being and advocating for their teams—they set a positive precedent for workplace culture.
How can organizational decision-makers promote the development of a healing culture that extends beyond self-care? Organizational leaders must recognize that well-being extends beyond individual self-care practices. Designating wellness days throughout the year allows staff to recharge and reinforces the idea that rest is essential. Many employees continue working even on their days off, making it critical for organizations to create policies that genuinely support work-life balance. Expanding health benefits to include non-medical support, such as mental health counseling and holistic wellness programs, can provide employees with essential tools to manage stress. Additionally, funding on-site social workers and counselors ensures immediate access to assistance, demonstrating a commitment to holistic well-being.
Our Beyond Self-Care workshop reinforced that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity for success. Schools, educators, students, families, and communities must work together to prioritize well-being, creating a culture that values mental health and sustainable work practices. Community schools, in particular, are well-positioned to model this approach, demonstrating that self-care and collective care go hand in hand. By fostering environments that promote mental health, resilience, and mutual support, we empower students and educators alike to thrive beyond the classroom.
Moving forward, the Office of Community Schools remains committed to providing spaces for meaningful discussions on well-being, equity, and professional growth. As we continue to engage in these learning opportunities, we encourage all participants to reflect on how they can integrate wellness practices into their daily lives. Whether through small personal commitments or broader institutional changes, every effort contributes to a healthier, more sustainable educational ecosystem.
What steps will you take today to support your own well-being? How can you contribute to a culture of wellness in your community? These are the questions we must continue to ask as we work toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and thriving future for all.
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