America's Healthiest Schools Spotlight: How Colorado's Cherry Creek School District Is Helping Educators Thrive

In 2025, six schools in Aurora, CO, were recognized as America's Healthiest Schools for their commitment to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. We spoke with Laura Mitchell, a social worker at Cherry Creek School District, about what it takes to build healthier learning communities for educators and students alike.

Q: How has Cherry Creek made educator well-being part of its culture?

A: Relationships and belonging are two of our district's core values, so we've intentionally focused on helping every staff member feel connected and supported. We know that when educators experience a sense of belonging at work, students benefit, too. Teachers who feel cared for are better able to build strong classroom communities and create positive learning environments.

We've also invested in trauma-informed professional learning that helps staff understand the science behind these practices. When people understand why something matters, they're much more likely to embrace it and make it part of their daily work.

Q: What does supporting staff well-being look like day to day?

A: One of our biggest priorities has been creating systems that help teachers focus on teaching instead of constantly navigating uncertainty. Predictability matters. When educators know what to expect and know they'll have the support they need, it reduces stress and helps them be fully present for students.

That support shows up in practical ways. We intentionally create opportunities for staff to connect throughout the day and build joyful moments into the school experience. We also make sure teachers have coverage when they need to attend meetings or respond to student needs, so they aren't carrying those responsibilities alone.

None of these practices are especially complicated on their own, but together they create an environment where people feel safe, supported, and able to do their best work.

"Creating a safe, predictable environment isn't just good for students—it's essential for educators, too."

Q: How did you build buy-in among staff?

A: We started by grounding everything in research and helping teachers understand why these practices matter. Once people understood the purpose behind the work, it stopped feeling like another initiative and became part of our culture.

Consistency has also been important. Staff know they'll have opportunities to connect, collaborate, and experience moments of joy throughout the school day. Those shared experiences build trust, and once people begin to experience the impact themselves, the buy-in grows naturally.

"When well-being becomes part of your culture—not another initiative—it begins to sustain itself."

Q: What has being recognized among America's Healthiest Schools meant for your community?

A: We were pleasantly surprised by how much the recognition resonated across our entire school community. It created a real sense of pride among staff, students, and families.

One of my favorite moments was hearing students say, "Of course we're going to pick up the trash because we're one of America's Healthiest Schools.” Seeing students take ownership of what it means to be part of a healthy school community has been incredibly rewarding.

The recognition has also given us an opportunity to celebrate the work we're doing every day. We have America's Healthiest Schools signage outside our school, and it's a visible reminder that supporting students also means supporting the adults who care for them. Families see that commitment, too, and I think it reinforces that we're building a healthy school community together.

"The America's Healthiest Schools recognition reinforced that our commitment to well-being is making a difference."

Thank you, Laura!

Interested in building a healthier school community? Explore these additional resources:

• Watch Building Healthier School Communities: Best Practices in Staff Well-Being to hear practical strategies from school leaders across the country.
• Read America's Healthiest Schools Spotlight: Bringing Movement to Life at Richland One School District in South Carolina to learn how Richland One is creating more inclusive physical education experiences and increasing movement throughout the school day.
• Learn more about America's Healthiest Schools.

-By Nicole Blanton