Educators Amplify Need for Mental Health Assistance for Schools

(KNSI) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Minnesota educators say mental health issues among students are becoming magnified by teacher shortages and increasing class sizes.

Becki Church is a crisis interventionist serving multiple school districts in western Minnesota. She says staff is stretched thin trying to help students make it through the day. “They’re burning out on the constant behavior management, and working short-staffed and getting called into this room, then that room, then this room and that room. We’re ping-ponging here, and it’s a big struggle.”

Jena Osberg is a Level IV site manager with the Freshwater Education District. She says right now, it isn’t uncommon to be short-staffed, about five or six people a day, and adds it’s hard to attract licensed individuals with the proper training. “I can’t even believe that, in five years, we’re going to be able to staff – to get anyone to come in anymore and work – which is just one more thing that we’re failing for these kids.”

In addition to extra school funding needed from the state, educators say a more streamlined licensing process could help recruit personnel to manage staffing shortages.

With a $9.25 billion budget surplus, state lawmakers are being asked to set aside more school funding. The legislature must adjourn on May 23rd.

In addition to extra school funding needed from the state, educators say a more streamlined licensing process could help recruit personnel to manage staffing shortages.

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MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

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