Tell Chicago’s School Board: Pass A Mental Health Resolution!

Chicago’s students are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis that is undermining their attendance, achievement, and overall well-being. Educators are on the front lines responding to these needs every day, but too often without the consistent support they need. 

While CPS and Illinois have taken important steps to support students, such as universal mental health screenings, these efforts will fall short without a districtwide strategy to support educators’ mental health as well.  

We urge Chicago’s school board to pass a resolution that commits to a districtwide educator mental health strategy, establishes clear support structures, and creates accountability for implementation.

Without one, Chicago risks accelerating burnout, worsening teacher shortages, and losing the diverse, high-quality workforce our students need – the very workforce that research shows goes hand in hand with student well-being and academic achievement. When educators are supported, students thrive.

Educator mental health must be a systemwide commitment. It cannot continue to be a patchwork of school-by-school programs or one-time trainings. Chicago has the opportunity to lead the nation and show how a large district can center educator well-being to drive student success and retain a robust educator workforce. 

As the district undergoes major leadership changes and mental health needs rise, the school board must act now and make educator mental health a districtwide priority.