The Wayzata Public Schools (WPS) Well-Being Advisor Program has made significant strides since its inception five years ago, as presented to the Wayzata School Board. The program, aimed at supporting the mental health and overall wellness of staff, has expanded its services and demonstrated tangible benefits to both educators and students.
Led by Christina Buscko, MS, LPCC, and Katie Schultz, LICSW, LADC, MSW, the Well-Being Program was created to address increasing levels of stress and burnout among educators. According to statistics shared by the EdCan Network, 58% of K-12 teachers report feeling stressed “all the time,” which impacts their ability to teach effectively. In response, the program has focused on offering mental health therapy, tailored training, and group support to WPS staff and their household members.
“Teachers reported five fewer absences per year in schools that invested in well-being programs,” said Buscko, highlighting the positive correlation between teacher well-being and student achievement. Additionally, the program has been shown to improve teacher-student relationships.
The Well-Being Program has grown exponentially. In its first year, only four meetings were held; however, by the end of the last school year, the program averaged 113 sessions per month, reaching every school in the district at least once a year for training. This year, the program will continue to offer mental health therapy, support groups, and custom training sessions to meet the diverse needs of the staff.
WPS staff members, as well as their families, are eligible for therapy services, with a focus on flexibility and reducing barriers to care such as insurance and waitlists. “We want to demonstrate our commitment to staff well-being and minimize the obstacles to accessing care,” said Schultz.
With continued growth and expansion, the Well-Being Program remains a cornerstone of Wayzata Public Schools’ efforts to support its educators and ensure a thriving learning environment for students.
