Today’s students face an increasingly complex set of challenges that affect their emotional, social, and academic lives. From social pressures and family responsibilities to mental health struggles and academic stress, students need more than just academic instruction to thrive—they need support systems that prioritize their wellbeing.

Educators and administrators play a critical role in creating learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered. Schools that adopt trauma-informed and student-centered approaches are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students, both in and out of the classroom.

Defining Student Wellbeing

Student wellbeing refers to the overall quality of a student’s life, including their physical health, emotional resilience, social connectedness, and sense of purpose. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), student wellbeing includes:

  • Physical Wellbeing: General health, energy levels, and physical activity

  • Psychological Wellbeing: Mental health, emotional regulation, and self-esteem

  • Cognitive Wellbeing: The ability to think critically and solve problems

  • Social Wellbeing: Relationships with peers, family, and school staff, and a sense of belonging

Each area of wellbeing contributes to a student’s ability to learn, engage, and succeed.

6 Ways Educators Can Help

School leaders and teachers can create a positive school environment that shapes student wellbeing and improves student success by sustaining supportive, disciplined classrooms, and by establishing practices, and policies that make everyone feel safe and supported. 

These practices include:

1. Make Time for Daily Check-Ins

Regular, low-pressure check-ins with students provide valuable insights into their emotional state and build trust. These interactions foster a sense of connection and belonging, encouraging students to open up when they need help.

2. Plan Mindfully and Put the Syllabus on the Calendar 

Transparent planning allows students to manage their time and stress. Publishing a syllabus and assignment calendar in advance can help prevent last-minute cramming and improve student performance.

3. Normalize Struggle and Failure

Many students are anxious about failure and either avoid challenges or shut down and disengage when faced with problems. Encourage a growth mindset (“I can succeed if I work hard”) over a fixed mindset (“I am smart” or “I am dumb”). Normalize the idea that failure is part of growth, and make an effort to connect with struggling students with timely and structured support. 

4. Encourage Healthy Habits 

Encourage habits like adequate sleep, regular exercise, and mindful moments. Making deadlines at 10 PM rather than midnight can help students get to sleep earlier. Allow for moments of reflection and calm in instructional time.

5. Publicize Services On and Off Campus

Make it easy for students to find and access campus resources like counseling, academic support, and peer mentoring. Highlight these services regularly and address any stigma associated with seeking help.

6. Provide Anonymous Helplines and Online Self-Help Resources

Not every student will feel comfortable seeking help in person. Offering anonymous helplines and online self-help tools can lower barriers and ensure that all students have a safe way to access support.

To create equitable, inclusive, and thriving school environments, educators must support the whole student. That means embedding wellness into school culture—not as an add-on, but as a central part of how we prepare students for life.

Start With Wellbeing 101

Wellbeing 101 is a great first step for students to begin understanding the full range of wellness support available to them. This foundational course introduces students to practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, and accessing resources for mental, emotional, and physical health.

By enrolling in Wellbeing 101, students are more likely to engage with campus-based support services—from counseling and tutoring to student organizations and peer mentoring—early in their academic journey. Schools that implement this course see stronger student awareness and improved use of wellness services across the board.