Author: Michelle Magyar

In the challenging yet rewarding field of education, the mental health and well-being of educators are paramount. Recently, a vibrant discussion amongst 22 county and local superintendents from the CCEE Advisory Council anchored around the following question: What innovations, policies, structures, and strategies are you using that might be good considerations for state policymakers when it comes to the improved mental health and well-being of educators? 

The insights shared provide invaluable guidance for state policymakers and educational leaders, emphasizing innovative strategies to support educator mental health.

The Power of Partnerships and Communication

Ventura County Office of Education’s collaboration with MIT exemplifies the power of partnerships in exploring compassionate systems. The Systems Leadership Learning Network is an approach that can significantly impact how educators handle stress and maintain mental health. Similarly, the “squad” model shared by Hemet Unified School District, where principals are grouped to facilitate shared learning and communication, and the daily morning check-ins for administrators, underscore the importance of effective communication structures in promoting mental well-being.

Shared Learning and Support Networks

Kings Canyon Unified shared that the use of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) was highlighted as a critical strategy for shared learning and support among educators. Such models not only enhance professional development but also provide a support network to alleviate work-related stress. To learn more about building the infrastructure to support this deep collaboration among teachers, we encourage you to listen to Rising from the Margins podcast episodes. 

Understanding and Addressing Challenges for New Educators

The discussion recognized that new Superintendents or those with less diverse experience might face more significant challenges in stress management. This insight calls for tailored support strategies for these educators.

Survey Insights and Holistic Approaches

Modesto Unified School District recently distributed a districtwide survey that resulted in a high response rate and revealed mental health as a priority concern. Effective solutions like addressing burnout, setting boundaries, fostering gratitude, and encouraging physical wellness strategies were identified. These approaches stress the need for a holistic view of educator well-being.

The Role of Wellness Champions and Accessible Resources

The importance of having a wellness champion and providing free resources for staff was another vital point discussed. These champions can play a crucial role in advocating for and implementing wellness initiatives within educational institutions.

The Human Connection

Advisory members emphasized the necessity of finding ways to connect as humans beyond professional roles. This human connection is crucial in creating a supportive and empathetic educational environment.

Flexibility and Stress Management

The case of a successful new Principal stepping down due to stress highlights the urgent need to make roles more flexible and less stressful. This is a call to reevaluate job structures to better support educators.

Kindness as a Core Value

Gary Waddell’s sharing of Santa Clara Unified’s “Kindness Campaign” illustrates the impact of promoting kindness and connection alongside achievement. This campaign has been well-received, demonstrating the positive effects of such values on staff and community morale.

A Call to Action: Implementing Change for Better Mental Health

This rich discussion brings to the forefront actionable strategies that can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of educators. As stakeholders in education, here’s how you can contribute:

• Advocate for Partnerships: Encourage your educational institution to form partnerships focusing on mental health and compassionate systems.
• Implement Support Structures: Promote the adoption of models like the “squad” system or regular check-ins for enhanced communication and support.
• Support New Educators: Develop tailored support programs for educators new to the profession.
• Promote Holistic Wellness: Encourage initiatives that address mental health from multiple angles, including physical wellness and gratitude practices.
• Champion Wellness Leaders: Identify and support wellness champions within your institutions.
• Foster Human Connections: Create environments that prioritize human connections and empathy.
• Advocate for Flexibility: Work towards more flexible job structures that reduce stress and burnout.
• Promote Kindness and Connection: Incorporate values like kindness into your educational culture.

By taking these steps, we can collectively create a more supportive and healthy environment for our educators, ultimately leading to a more effective and nurturing educational system for all.

#EducatorWellBeing #InnovativeEducationLeadership #CaliforniaSchools

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

Episode Two of the inspiring podcast series Rising From The Margins centers on Highland Elementary in the Inglewood Unified School District, a beacon of hope and transformation amidst the challenging landscape of post-COVID-19 education.

Highlights:

• The Journey of Highland Elementary: Discover how Highland Elementary, after receiving state emergency funds, embarked on a transformative journey under the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM), driven by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence.
• Shift to Local Control: Following the enactment of AB 1840, Highland Elementary experienced a significant shift in management, moving from a state-centric to a locally controlled approach. This change fostered new opportunities and challenges, reshaping the educational experience.
• Leadership and Innovation: Under the combined leadership of Los Angeles County Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo, County Administrator Dr. James Morris, and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Bernadette Lucas, the school has become a model of educational innovation.
• Piloting Intensive Assistance Model: Led by Principal Mr. Jones, Highland Elementary’s pilot of the Intensive Assistance Model program is a case study in effective adaptation and implementation, with potential implications for district-wide adoption.
• Teacher Leadership and Collaboration: The episode shines a spotlight on the critical role of teacher leadership, the power of collaboration, and the effectiveness of data-driven strategies in addressing the unique needs of students.

#JoinIAMMovement #EducationRevolution #CaliforniaSchools

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

The Challenge We Face

As we navigate the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, it’s clear that California’s students and educators face a critical juncture. The stark reality is this: student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math has suffered, attendance rates have plummeted, and mental health, social development, and behavioral challenges are more prevalent than ever. Teachers, tasked with the monumental role of educating our youth, are often isolated, lacking the support and collaborative opportunities needed to excel in their roles.

A Beacon of Hope: The Intensive Assistance Model Pilot

In response to these challenges, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence has launched the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM) pilot project. This initiative isn’t just another program; it’s a beacon of hope, a pathway to rebuilding and revitalizing our education system. The heart of this project is the Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work model, which empowers teachers as instructional leaders. It focuses on collaborative planning, data analysis, and the creation of tailored interventions based on individual student needs.

Promising Results and the Road Ahead

The early results are inspiring. A recent report from PACE, found that schools involved in the pilot are not just recovering; they’re thriving. They report improved academic outcomes, increased teacher satisfaction, and a newfound ability to swiftly and effectively respond to students’ needs. However, these successes aren’t just self-contained victories. They are proof of what can be achieved with the right support, collaboration, and leadership.

Call to Action:

1. Educators and School Leaders: Explore the Intensive Assistance Model pilot project findings to understand the PLC at Work model and the strategies to support teacher collaborative structures.
2. Policymakers and Educational Authorities: Learn about the Intensive Assistance Model and PLC at Work model to explore funding and policies that support collaborative teaching models and provide the necessary resources for effective implementation.

The Road to Educational Excellence

The PLC at Work model aligns seamlessly with California’s educational policies, emphasizing continuous improvement and local control. It’s adaptable, scalable, and, most importantly, centers on empowering those who know our students best – our teachers.

Join us in this mission to transform California’s educational landscape. Together, we can overcome the challenges of the post-pandemic era and pave the way for a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

#JoinIAMMovement #EducationRevolution #CaliforniaSchools

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Statewide System of Support Directory, Podcast Rising from the Margins and Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

The educational landscape is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation is the power of community engagement. Recognizing its importance, the Community Engagement Initiative has announced an in-depth training series aimed at deepening pupil, family, and community involvement in schools. These comprehensive resources and modules are designed to foster effective engagement strategies.

Purpose and Objectives: The training series, set to launch on December 1, 2023, was developed in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, San Diego County Office of Education, Eskolta, University of San Diego, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Families In Schools, California Association for Bilingual Educators, WestEd, Dr. Jennifer Edic-Bryant, Inform2Inspire, and the California Community Schools Partnership Program. The goal is to equip key school staff with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to enhance their community and family engagement strategies, per the mandate in Education Code Section 52073.3. By participating in these trainings, local school agencies and staff will gain best practice insights into effectively engaging with students, families, communities, and school staff to strengthen the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process.

Training Modules Overview:

• Collaborative Leadership Structures: Focuses on shifting power dynamics in community schools for more inclusive decision-making.
• Community Partnerships for Systems Change: Teaches the importance of building trust and active participation in community engagement.
• Engaging Your Community from the Roots Up: Explores the fundamental components of effective community engagement.
• Enhancing Engagement for LCAP Design: Discusses community engagement in the context of the Local Control and Accountability Plan.
• Positive Community Engagement for School Administrators: Emphasizes the role of school leadership in fostering community relations.
• Parents, Families, and Caregivers as Equal Partners: Aims to empower families in the educational process.
• Progress Monitoring and Evaluation: Offers tools for evaluating school improvement efforts.
• Walking Alongside Communities: Focuses on building authentic partnerships with community-based organizations.

Impact and Implications:

This training series is a monumental step towards redefining the role of community in education. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge, it aims to create a more collaborative, inclusive, and effective learning environment. The series not only addresses current educational challenges but also paves the way for future innovations in community engagement.

Call to Action:

I encourage educators, administrators, and community members to participate in the training series. It emphasizes the importance of their feedback and active involvement in shaping an educational system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it serves. The new training series is more than just a set of modules; it’s a movement towards a more engaged, inclusive, and effective educational system. It’s an invitation to all stakeholders to come together, learn, and contribute to the betterment of education through active community engagement.

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

CCEE’s Hot Topics Blog Update: Exciting News: Launch of CCEE Statewide System of Support Directory!

We are thrilled to unveil a comprehensive and user-friendly tool that is set to revolutionize the way educational support is accessed across California – the CCEE Statewide System of Support (SSOS) searchable directory!

A Unified Resource Hub

For the first time ever, we are bringing together a plethora of vital contact information, spanning state, regional, county, and local LEA levels, all under one digital roof. This initiative is a giant leap towards ensuring equity and seamless access to the Statewide System of Support, ultimately enhancing student outcomes throughout the vibrant state of California.

Navigate with Ease

Navigating through the directory is a breeze! For initiatives with specific geographic support regions such as Geographic Leads, Regional English Learners, and the Educator Workforce Investment Grant, a simple click will reveal the counties served by each lead, providing you with the exact information you need, right when you need it.

Keeping Information Current

We understand that change is constant, and keeping information up-to-date is crucial. Should you come across any details that need a refresh, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa Hodgson at [email protected]. Your proactive approach ensures that we are always in sync and ready to serve with accuracy and efficiency.

Spread the Word

The power of community cannot be overstated. We encourage you to share the directory far and wide within your educational networks. By doing so, we collectively amplify the reach of the outstanding work and support available through the SSOS, fostering an environment where every student in California has the opportunity to thrive.

A Tool for Impact

We are optimistic and excited about the potential impact of this directory on student achievement. By granting easier access to the vast array of supports and services offered by the SSOS, we are taking a significant step forward in our collective journey toward educational excellence.

Call to Action

Join us in celebrating this milestone and help us spread the word. Together, let’s continue to nurture and support the educational landscape of California, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all students. Explore the CCEE Statewide System of Support directory today and discover the world of support at your fingertips!

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”