The LANDing Ground – From Wellness to Well-Being: Centering the Way We Lead, Teach, and Learn

Cindy Duong • Cahn Fellow 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health has become even more of a pressing education crisis, impacting students, educators, and school leaders alike. Grover Cleveland Charter High School is not immune to this issue. Coupled with new District Leadership, initiatives, expectations, and accountabilities, along with labor contract uncertainties and changes at the school site, what is clear is that the associated stress and anxiety have impacted our school climate.

But how can school leaders mitigate the effects of student and staff burnout so that it does not eventually weigh down the culture of a campus? How do we create a climate of wellness and help our school community reconnect, find its center, and stay grounded?

Our improvement plan focuses on creating spaces and opportunities for students and staff – as well as school leaders – to address mental, physical, and emotional health. The underlying goal is to foster a climate of wellness and overall well-being that would help our stakeholders reduce stress, bring awareness of feelings, and reinforce a sense of community.