[ANNOUNCEMENT] Introducing the Iceberg Approach: A 3-Tiered Strategy to Support Staff Wellness

In today’s educational landscape, over 50% of school staff are contemplating leaving the field due to overwhelming stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leaving many educators and support staff struggling to keep up with the demands of their roles. However, a sustainable solution begins with addressing the root cause: staff wellness. Just as students need social-emotional learning (SEL) and wellness support, so too do the educators who guide them. This is where the Iceberg Approach comes in—a 3-tiered support system designed to meet the diverse needs of all staff, ensuring they can continue to support students effectively and sustainably.

Tier 1: All Staff

The foundation of the Iceberg Approach begins with universal support for all staff members. This tier emphasizes the importance of equipping everyone with the tools and knowledge to manage stress and trauma, both personally and in their interactions with students. Through the Generation Wellness In-Person Training and the Generation Wellness Toolkit, staff members learn how the brain and body respond to stress and trauma. These resources offer practical strategies and activities that build connection, teach emotional regulation, and provide opportunities for reflection.

By participating in Tier 1, staff gain a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive environment, not just for their students but also for themselves and their colleagues. This universal training is essential in building a culture of wellness that permeates every level of the school community.

Tier 2: Some Staff

While Tier 1 provides essential training for all, Tier 2 of the Iceberg Approach targets school leaders and those in positions of influence who can champion the wellness initiatives within their schools. The School Leaders Program offers specialized resources that make it easy to integrate wellness into staff meetings and guide staff through utilizing the Generation Wellness tools.

Participants in Tier 2 gain access to a wealth of materials, including PowerPoint slides for short presentations, monthly emails to share with staff, and additional resources to keep the work alive. This tier ensures that wellness isn't just a one-time event but a continuous, sustainable effort that becomes ingrained in the school's culture.

Tier 3: Few Staff

Finally, there are staff members who need more individualized support due to the unique challenges they face. Tier 3 of the Iceberg Approach offers personal or professional coaching from a Generation Wellness Trainer, a WKU professor, and a trained mental health counselor. This tier provides a safe space for staff to explore their challenges, develop coping strategies, and receive tailored guidance that supports their well-being.

Tier 3 ensures that those who need the most support receive it. This personalized approach helps staff navigate the complexities of their roles while maintaining their mental and emotional health.

The Importance of a Multi-Tiered Approach

The Iceberg Approach recognizes that staff wellness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By providing a multi-tiered support system, schools can address the varying needs of their staff, from universal training to personalized coaching. This comprehensive approach not only helps to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue but also creates a sustainable infrastructure that allows educators to continue delivering high-quality SEL and wellness support to students.

When staff are well-supported, they can better support their students, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the entire school community. By investing in staff wellness through the Iceberg Approach, schools can build a resilient, thriving educational environment where both students and staff can succeed.