Reducing Secondary Traumatic Stress in the K-12 Workforce

Educators face high rates of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). To improve well-being and retention, Washington passed SHB 1363 (2021), and WSSDA developed Policy & Procedure 5515. To support implementation, OSPI and Healthier Generation offer free materials and an online assessment to support compliance.

ACCESS THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO IMPLEMENT WSDDA’S POLICY AND PROCEDURE 5515:

Model Policy & Procedures

Assessment & Action Planning

Training & Resources

Procedure Compliance: Foundational Supports (Start Here)

Start with Foundational Supports in the Procedure to meet WSSDA Policy 5515. This builds the base for supporting staff well-being and compliance.

WSSDA Procedure 5515P Featured Materials

Determine where to focus your efforts in building a positive work culture.

Videos and information about secondary traumatic stress for educators and school community staff from the Center for Safe & Resilient Schools and Workplaces

A four-part on-demand training series packed with tools and resources to help school staff focus on their own well-being.

español

Foundational Materials to Support WSSDA Procedure 5515P Compliance

Assessment & Action Planning

Districts must assess implementation and report annually to their school board. The Workforce STS Assessment includes two parts: a Policy Compliance Checklist and Staff Well-Being Practices.

District leadership teams (e.g., Workforce Mental Health Committee) should:

Review the assessment.
Compile district-level responses.
Submit responses via the online assessment.
Identify next steps and update the team’s Action Plan.

For school-level input, use the Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment to gather feedback and plan improvements.

Get started in the Action Center

Training & Resources

Districts must form a committee to support a positive workplace climate. Start with evidence-based tools on stress, burnout, and job satisfaction—then explore these Tier 1: Universal Supports staff well-being resources.