After a pilot in which 99% of educators said it was helpful to their wellbeing, the self-paced course with embedded coaching is now available on-demand via any internet-connect device

EmpowerU, a leading provider of evidence-based, turnkey student and educator wellbeing programs that build strong foundations in resilience, motivation and confidence, today announced the national rollout of its Educator Self-Care and Mental Health professional development program for K–12 teachers and administrators.

The professional development course, which EmpowerU created with a team of licensed mental health clinicians, features a self-paced and on-demand format. Available via any internet-connected device, the training takes 10-12 clock hours to complete, which educators in the initial phase typically spread over 4-6 weeks.

“I just completed the EmpowerU course and it was amazing,” said Michelle Koch, dean of students at Menahga Public School District 821, in a video. “Understanding our emotions and reactions to emotions are valuable skills and a message we need right now. Every minute of my time with EmpowerU was positive, focused on what I could do and what I could control. It was incredible. I am going to shout from the rooftops what a powerful and purposeful program this is.”

Since the beginning of the pilot, thousands of educators have taken the course, with 80% of participants opting to include coaching by EmpowerU’s trained clinicians. These coaches provide online, asynchronous support that helps educators apply what they learn to their own lives so they can improve their wellbeing first, then pass that learning on to their students. Feedback from those educators has been overwhelmingly positive:

• 99% of educators who took the course said it was helpful to their wellbeing, motivation, and mental health.
• 98% of respondents said the support they received daily from their EmpowerU instructor was important to their growth.
• 97% said they would recommend the course to other teachers and educators.
• 100% made progress toward their goals, leaving them more engaged and renewed for the upcoming school year.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from educators and administrators telling us about their renewed passion for teaching after taking this EmpowerU course,” said Katie Dorn, CEO and co-founder of EmpowerU. 

“Over the past few years, educators have faced enormous stress, which can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. We created this training to help them put the oxygen mask on themselves first so they could better support students, so it’s incredibly validating when educators say things like, ‘I feel like I have a better, healthier control over my anxiety and stress. I have tools and skills to use when I feel it coming on too strong. I also have the tools to help my students with this as well.”

During the initial phase of the program, most schools paid for their educators and administrators to take the course using professional development or staff wellbeing funds, but at just $59 per educator without coaching and $129 per educator with coaching, EmpowerU’s Self-Care and  Mental Health Support for K–12 Teachers and Administrators is designed to fit in almost anywhere in the budget. 

For more information, visit EmpowerU.education.