Healed Teachers
Heal Students.

 

Address teacher burnout, improve teacher retention and watch students thrive.

a black woman with gold circular earrings, glasses and braids laughing

Teacher burnout is real. Mentally and physically exhausted, they are leaving the profession in droves. Those that stay can no longer give their best to a job they love. 

$

78% of teachers across the country are grappling with job-related stress*.

The odds are stacked higher against educators of color, who face multilayered and complex additional stressors. Covid and the racial events of 2020 served to further compound their stress and trauma. 

$

1 out of 4 teachers report symptoms of depression*.

Functioning as centers for learning and workplaces, schools are a microcosm of the education system: one that is failing its teachers and students. 

$

1 out of 4 teachers plan to leave their jobs*.

The inability to succeed, to feel belonging, to feel rewarded for work is no formula for a good education. Students of color increasingly lack adult role models and teachers who share their racial and cultural background, worsening the achievement gap.

$

50% of Black teachers plan to leave the field*.

We can help.

Using evidence-based approaches that are tailored and culturally relevant, Healing Schools Project provides space and tools for teachers and leaders to heal, connect and cope.

Healing circles, rooted in indigenous culture, form the underlying structures that ground our work. Participating in at least 4 healing circles has shown a statistically significant improvement* in overall quality of life, making this a valuable peer support experience that benefits teacher mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

Taking it a step further, our personalized community care plans are designed to bring a cultural shift in schools.

We give school administrators and leaders the tools to support teacher mental health and wellbeing, which in turn helps address teacher burnout and high turnover. Creating an environment of community care — where all teachers are acknowledged and valued — allows educators to see themselves as part of a team working for their students.  

Together, we can make this happen.

our work

FEATURED IN

a black woman with gold circular earrings, glasses and braids laughing

Roots

Founded by a Black teacher, Wenimo Okoya, Healing School Project’s programs were centered around teachers of color; programs designed for marginalized groups have proven highly effective for all teachers.

Inception

During the pandemic, teacher burnout was building especially among educators of color. It all came to a breaking point after the murder of George Floyd. We knew we had to find a way to cope, and started by holding informal virtual healing circles for our teacher friends and colleagues.  

Today, Healing Schools Project partners with schools, districts and charter management organizations along the East Coast. We support educators by facilitating healing circles to prevent burnout and build connection, and work with administration to build a culture of community care.

Mission

Our mission is to build and sustain communities of care so that teachers of color can thrive, grow, and be the best teachers for all students. We use evidence-based approaches that are tailored and culturally relevant through healing circles, professional development, and strategic planning. 

Vision

Every school is a sustainable community of care where all teachers, staff, and students thrive. 

a black woman with gold circular earrings, glasses and braids laughing

STAY CONNECTED

Receive timely, equity-centered resources delivered directly to your inbox for educators and leaders to heal, connect, and cope.

* indicates required

Words Shared With Us

This was exactly what I never knew I needed.

The Healing Schools Project logo without the text. It depicts a green tree encircled by a purple border and yellow background. There is a branch with two leaves peaking out of the border of the circle.

Healing Circle Attendee

[I like] the collective healing and sharing of experiences. I felt like I was where I belonged!

The Healing Schools Project logo without the text. It depicts a green tree encircled by a purple border and yellow background. There is a branch with two leaves peaking out of the border of the circle.

Healing Circle Attendee

I’ve never connected with my colleagues in this way.

The Healing Schools Project logo without the text. It depicts a green tree encircled by a purple border and yellow background. There is a branch with two leaves peaking out of the border of the circle.

Healing Circle Attendee

Join the Movement.

 

 

Our Supporters

Our Fiscal Sponsor

Our First Grant

Our First Corporate Donor

The Healing Schools Project Logo depicting a circle with a tree and leaves peaking out of the side next to the words Healing Schools Project.

Join the Movement. Donate Today!

Healing Schools Project is fiscally sponsored by Counseling in Schools, a registered 501(c)(3). Therefore all donations are tax-deductible.