Certificated and classified staff, like many others in helping professions, tend to experience STS at greater rates than those in other professions due to the persistent exposure to and expectation of caretaking for students with emotionally painful experiences. In other words, STS can be an outcome of what is an educator's greatest asset: they care deeply about their students and families. 

Signs and symptoms of STS vary but when left unaddressed may lead to staff turnover, burnout, adult chronic absenteeism and health issues which negatively impacts everyone in the school community.  

Through a partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and a statewide team of experts, we have curated a list of WA Educators Secondary Traumatic Stress Resources and developed a Washington state-specific assessment to assist districts in the implementation of requirements under state law. 

Please note, you will be prompted to create a free account.

Quick Access Resources:

Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self-Care Packet

• This packet includes:

  • Explanation of what Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is

  • Describes Burnout and Compassion Fatigue and Risk Factors for STS

  • Tools for Staff Self-Care and Resilience:

    • Shared Strategies for Staff Self-Care and Resilience suggests individual and schoolwide strategies to support a culture of staff wellness. 

    • Staff Self-Care Plan begins with a personal inventory of warning signs, proceeds to an assessment of self-care practices, and concludes with making a commitment to specific practices.

    • School Self-Care Plan offers a process similar to developing an individual self-care plan but for the entire school.

    • Shared Strategies for Staff Self-Care and Resilience 

WebMD, one of the most trusted brands in well-being, is the new SmartHealth program administrator. They will bring a more personalized SmartHealth platform starting January 2, 2024. 

What is SmartHealth?

SmartHealth is Washington State's voluntary wellness program that supports you on your journey toward living well. As you progress on your wellness journey, you may also qualify for the SmartHealth wellness incentive. Find details on the SmartHealth webpage. 

Get started

You will need to register to use the new SmartHealth. Step-by-step log on instructions can be found at Accessing SmartHealth.  

Learn more! 

Join WebMD on January 25 for a demonstration and overview of the SmartHealth platform and get oriented to the new features, tools, and custom experience SmartHealth offers. Register now.