Supporting students' mental health has become a routine part of teaching, but many educators say the responsibility is taking a toll on their own well‐being, according to a new RAND report, “Difficulty Supporting Student Mental Health Strains Teacher Well‐Being.” Nearly all respondents of RAND's 2026 State of the American Teacher Survey of 829 K‐12 public school teachers nationwide said they provided some form of mental health or well‐being support during the 2025‐2026 school year, including checking in on students, helping them navigate personal challenges, or coordinating with counselors and social workers. Teachers reported spending an average of eight hours per week, or about 17% of their working time, on student behavior and mental health supports. Those who said providing such support had become more difficult were significantly more likely to report job‐related stress, trouble coping with stress, symptoms of depression and burnout. Lead author Ashley Woo, associate policy researcher at RAND, said educators need greater resources and partnerships, so they do not carry the responsibility alone.
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