Teryl ann Rosch, Ph.D.

Hope provides the "will" & the ability to identify, clarify, and pursue the "way" to achieving our dreams!

What Matters Most Isn’t What You Achieve. It’s Who You Choose to Be What matters most in life isn’t what you collect, achieve, or prove. It’s how you show up. It’s the way you treat people when no one is watching. It’s choosing kindness when it would be easier to be right. It’s helping others, even in small ways, because those small moments often matter the most. It’s spreading kindness on purpose, not just when it’s convenient. It’s having the integrity to do the hard thing, even when it costs you something. It’s building a life that has balance, not perfect but intentional, where work matters but people matter more. It’s holding onto hope on the days it feels far away, and still daring to dream even after disappointment. As a therapist and former principal, I’ve learned this. No one looks back and wishes they were busier, tougher, or more impressive. They wish they were more present, more patient, more loving, and more giving. At the end of it all, what matters most is simple, but not easy. Be a good human. Help others. Spread kindness. Love your people well. Do the right thing. And don’t lose sight of the life you’re trying to build while you’re busy living it.

As a therapist and former school principal, I believe this deeply, supporting school staff mental health is not extra. It is essential. The adults who care for everyone else need support too. Here are 10 meaningful ways to support school staff mental health and wellness: 1.Lead with empathy. We never fully know what someone else is carrying. A little more grace, patience, and understanding can change someone’s entire day. 2.Make people feel seen. A sincere thank you can go a long way. People need to know their effort, heart, and sacrifices matter. 3.Honor their time. Time is one of the most meaningful ways to show respect. Protect planning time, reduce unnecessary meetings, and be thoughtful about after-hours expectations. 4.Remove barriers that make the work harder. When staff are constantly fighting red tape, unclear expectations, or unnecessary obstacles, stress rises fast. Support them by simplifying systems and clearing the path where you can. 5.Create a culture where asking for help feels safe. Strong people need support too. Schools should be places where staff can be honest without fear or shame. 6.Make wellness visible, not just verbal. If mental health matters, show it in schedules, policies, support systems, and leadership decisions. 7.Encourage real breaks. Even the most dedicated people cannot pour from an empty cup. A few moments to breathe, reset, and regroup can make a big difference. 8.Remind them they do not have to be perfect. So many educators and school staff are carrying impossible expectations. They need to hear that being human is okay. 9.Build connection, not just collaboration. Staff need more than teamwork. They need belonging. A school feels different when the adults feel connected to each other. 10.Remind school staff of the difference they make. On the hardest days, people need to be reminded that their presence matters, their kindness matters, and their work is changing lives in ways they may never fully see. When we support school staff well, everyone benefits. Healthy adults help create healthy schools.

This report is valuable not only for those in MI, but for key players in student basic needs security nationwide. Much of what is to be addressed through these policies exists in every state. Read the full report here: hope.temple.edu/projects/michi…

Join me next Monday, February 24, for an important conversation with @RiceUniversity President @RDesRoches about the role of research and innovation in America, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Registration and livestream details below.

🎓 Grad students in Chicago: Apply for a Field Fellowship! 9 months of hands-on experience in grantmaking, supporting community power building across civic infrastructure, arts & culture, local news, and organizing sectors. Apply by 3/31. More: bit.ly/42YaGGq

Belief is contagious.

HS/secondary/college students in the U.S and Canada are invited to apply for renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 (USD) per year through the Steiner Family Scholarship Program! Apply now to earn up to $20,000 over four years. hubs.ly/Q032h6YC0

The research is clear: Let the children play! 🤸 🏸 If you want smart, healthy, well-rounded children, it pays to invest in recess.

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation — find out how schools are using AI, learn how to integrate AI solutions, address ethical/privacy concerns, and embrace tech advancements. October 29, 9 a.m.-Noon. Register now!ow.ly/wYn650SRqeO’s_Guide_to_Implementation/

There are plans to distribute additional funding later this year. The Alliance will also provide organizational support to more than 60 girl-serving organizations across Chicago. To learn more, visit gofundme.org/girls-opportun…

Former First Lady Michelle Obama, founder of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, announced a new commitment to empower and uplift girls in Chicago. The Girls Opportunity Alliance will distribute $500,000 among 14 Chicago-based girl-serving organizations.

@ewwaldo I’m so sorry for your loss, Eric. Such a beautiful tribute to your amazing Dad. Wishing you and your family all the peace and comfort possible at this time.

I love you, Dad. Always. 💔 A life well lived. You left us with Waldo’s Rules, dinner toasts, the Waldo Whistle, international flight sleeping hacks, and to the reluctant wine drinker, the push to try “just a splash.”

College completion still pays off. College graduates earn more, experience lower employment, and overwhelmingly believe college was a good personal investment.

@arneduncan Me too, Arne—

I love…

This will be fun! Please join us

Educators: As you start the new year, check out ED’s What Works Clearinghouse for evidence-based recommendations by subject matter, grade level, and more: ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/

@JohnBKing @SUNY @GovKathyHochul Such fantastic news!! Congratulations, John!

Excited to work toward equity & excellence as the 15th Chancellor of @SUNY! Humbled & honored by the opportunity to advance @GovKathyHochul’s vision to make @SUNY the best statewide system of public higher education in our nation. suny.edu/suny-news/pres…