This podcast episode formed the first part of KEWOTA’s media series, weaving seamlessly into the walk’s broader mission of raising awareness and funds for a Teacher Wellness Centre. As participants geared up for the 10 km journey, our conversation was recorded live, capturing the zeal and the shared commitment to supporting those who shape our future.
Panel Line-Up
Moderator: Guided the discussion, posed probing questions, and ensured each voice was heard.
KEWOTA CEO: Shared the vision behind “10,000 Steps for My Teacher” and the strategic roadmap for sustained mental-health support.
Professional Psychologist: Offered clinical perspectives on common stressors for educators and evidence-based coping strategies.
Teacher Representative (Me): Provided on-the-ground insights into the daily emotional labor of teaching and the transformative impact of school-based interventions.
Demystifying Teacher Mental Health
Throughout Part 1 of our roundtable, we tackled myths and stigma head-on:
Teachers are supposed to be resilient.
Reality: While resilience is a valuable trait, constant “performance mode” without recovery leads to chronic stress and burnout.
Mental health is a personal issue.
Reality: Educator well-being directly influences classroom quality, student outcomes, and staff retention, making it an institutional responsibility.
Talking about mental health is a sign of weakness.
Reality: Open dialogue and peer support are proven to reduce stigma and foster help-seeking behaviors.
Watch Part 1 here:
Lived Experience: From Classroom to Roundtable
As the teacher panelist, I shared moments that resonate with many of my colleagues:
“On any given day, I navigate between lesson plans and counseling, helping a student through grief one moment, then racing to cover curriculum the next. Without dedicated wellness breaks or counseling support, we end up teaching with frayed nerves.”
Our psychologist unpacked how such emotional labor contributes to heightened anxiety and a greater risk of leaving the profession within a few years of employment. The CEO highlighted KEWOTA’s commitment to change that statistic by building a dedicated space where educators can access counseling, peer-support groups, and restorative activities year-round.
Fresh Perspectives in Part 2
In Part 2, we dove deeper into practical solutions and policy recommendations, exploring how schools and stakeholders can embed mental-health support into daily routines rather than relegating it to annual events. Highlights include:
Creating “Wellness Corners” in staff rooms for quick mindfulness exercises.
Implement mental health leave policies to normalize time off for emotional recovery.
Allocating Wellness Budgets for ongoing workshops on trauma-informed teaching.
Catch the continuation here:
Why This Matters
Every conversation, every step, and every shared story fuels KEWOTA’s drive to establish a Teacher Wellness Centre, a hub for counseling offices, support-group rooms, and mindfulness spaces. By demystifying mental health and normalizing help-seeking, we’re not just walking; we’re building momentum for lasting cultural change in our schools.
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, parent, or corporate partner, your voice matters. Watch the full roundtable, share your insights with #RoundtableSeries and #10KStepsForMyTeacher2025, and let’s keep this vital dialogue going because teachers deserve better, every day