There is a lot that educators can do to make the school environment more welcoming for these students — and a more inclusive environment for all students and staff.

Teaching can be stressful, and meditation and mindfulness can help alleviate the stress and bring a greater sense of calm and purpose to your life at work and at home. Research has shown that meditation can reduce burnout, improve self-confidence, empathy and the ability to concentrate — and even boost health and job performance.

Teaching can be an extraordinary career and a calling. But it can be very stressful. If you feel as though there are not enough hours in the day and your workload extends into nights, weekends and holidays, you are heading for burnout.

To do their jobs well, educators need to understand their students’ lives and cultures. This involves listening and asking questions with humility. Being open-minded and attentive to individual students and their circumstances are key to cultural competency.

School professionals have challenging jobs. Our work includes taking care of the needs of students, colleagues and community members, as well as taking care of ourselves and our families. A 360-degree approach to wellness can help.

You can access detox, rehab and intensive outpatient services through your city health insurance if you have a problem with alcohol or substance use.