Supporting Student Wellbeing
Happy first-day-of-the-week Sunday Morning Coffee-ites! It's been a crazy week, what with devastating storms in some areas and beautiful spring weather in others, tariffs threatened and tariffs dismissed, workers fired for no reason and then reinstated with reason, and then there are all the joys and struggles of our personal lives. It can be a lot. It's imperative that we pay attention to our well being and stay healthy. Our students are feeling the same craziness, you know...those inside and outside of prison walls, on K12 campuses and college campuses, in public, charter, private, and home schools. Are we giving them the tools to care for own wellbeing?
Every educator—whether in a traditional classroom or behind the walls of a correctional facility or at their dining room table—knows that student wellbeing is the foundation for meaningful learning. If a student is struggling emotionally, socially, or physically, their ability to absorb information and engage in their education is compromised. While we often focus on test scores and educational outcomes, the reality is that wellbeing should be our priority.
What Is Student Wellbeing?
At its core, student wellbeing encompasses emotional, social, and physical health. It’s more than just a student’s ability to focus in class—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and capable of managing life’s challenges.
Research suggests that when schools prioritize wellbeing, students experience lower levels of stress, increased academic achievement, and improved interpersonal relationships. This is particularly important for students in justice-involved settings, where instability and trauma often play a role in their lives.
The Five Pillars of Student Wellbeing
Drawing from Positive Psychology’s framework, here are five key areas that contribute to student wellbeing:
Emotional Wellbeing – Helping students develop resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation skills is crucial. Simple techniques like journaling, mindfulness, or guided breathing exercises can provide students with tools to manage their emotions effectively.
Social Wellbeing – Creating an environment where students feel connected to their peers and instructors fosters a sense of belonging. This can be challenging in correctional education settings, but activities like group discussions, peer mentorship, and structured social interactions can help.
Physical Wellbeing – Exercise, nutrition, and sleep are often overlooked in education but have a profound impact on learning. Teaching students about the importance of these factors—and providing them with opportunities to practice healthy habits—can significantly improve their overall wellbeing.
Academic Wellbeing – A supportive learning environment that recognizes different learning styles, offers meaningful feedback, and sets realistic expectations can empower students to take ownership of their education.
Purpose and Meaning – Helping students connect their education to real-world goals and aspirations fosters motivation and engagement. Whether it’s through career exploration, vocational training, or self-reflection exercises, students thrive when they understand the ‘why’ behind their learning.
Strategies for Educators
So how do we bring these concepts to life in the classroom? Here are a few practical strategies:
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment – Foster trust and psychological safety by showing empathy, actively listening, and maintaining consistency in expectations and interactions.
Integrate Wellbeing Practices into Learning – Start each lesson with a mindfulness moment, gratitude exercise, or a brief discussion about emotions and stress management.
Encourage Self-Reflection – Assign activities that prompt students to consider their strengths, values, and aspirations.
Offer Opportunities for Connection – Build a sense of community through collaborative projects, peer mentorship programs, and discussion-based learning.
Model Healthy Behaviors – Show students what wellbeing looks like by demonstrating emotional regulation, self-care, and resilience in your own actions.
Why This Matters
For educators working in correctional settings, supporting student wellbeing isn’t just about improving academic outcomes—it’s about equipping individuals with the skills to navigate life beyond the classroom. Many justice-involved students have experienced significant trauma, and fostering wellbeing can play a key role in breaking cycles of recidivism and promoting long-term success.
By prioritizing student wellbeing, we’re not just helping students succeed in the moment—we’re setting them up for a future where they can thrive. And isn’t that what education is really about?
I wish you all the wellbeing juju in the universe...this week and beyond. Take care of others, and take care of you!
