Educators and students alike are facing an increasingly challenging educational environment. Whether they are dealing with the pressure around test scores, academic performance, or social and peer dynamics, it is no wonder that many teachers and youth are left feeling frustrated, alienated and lost.

Evidence shows that the adult-student relationship is the most powerful variable for learning and success. Teachers are the most important influence in these young peoples’ lives, next to immediate family. It only takes one teacher or caring adult to change a student’s life for the better. Research has shown that teachers perform best after being in the classroom for at least five years, but 46% of teachers leave the profession before reaching this milestone. Burn out, poor working conditions and emotional stress consistently rank as primary reasons teachers leave the profession. As a result, school and districts nationwide spend $2.2 billion per year recruiting and training replacements.

When teachers are struggling with their own mental health, it can be difficult for them to support the emotional well-being of their students. Unfortunately, when a student’s social emotional well-being is not addressed, they are not able to open their minds to learning. Students represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, experiences and learning styles - many factors outside of the classroom impact their engagement and behaviors. Across the nation, over 20% of young people experience a mental health condition, with that rate increasing up to 60% amongst youth in the juvenile justice system. We are seeing the consequences of a national mental health crisis, with 70% of students who need services unable to access them.

At Acknowledge Alliance, we provide the support and resources that educators and youth need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.