Thank You, Teachers – Supporting the Supporters as the School Year Ends

As the school year winds to a close, we want to take a moment to thank the incredible teachers, counselors, and school staff who show up every day for our children. Your work goes far beyond lesson plans and report cards. You are mentors, listeners, cheerleaders, and safe havens for students navigating not just academics, but life.

At Ryther, we know how deeply you care, and we know the toll that care can take.

This time of year, many educators are running on empty. You’ve made it through testing season, supported students through their ups and downs, and carried a year’s worth of emotional weight. In our work supporting young people through behavioral health services, we regularly witness the vital role teachers play in identifying mental health needs early and helping students feel seen.

We want to offer a heartfelt thank you—and share a helpful resource for those of you who may be looking for support of your own, or ways to strengthen mental health awareness in your school.

🌟 Mental Health Instruction: Tools for Washington Educators

MentalHealthInstruction.org is a free resource created by the SMART Center (School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training Center) at the University of Washington. It's designed specifically for K-12 educators and school staff across Washington.

You’ll find:

• Online training modules to build your confidence in supporting student mental health.

• Resources for classroom strategies that promote emotional wellness.

• Information on when and how to connect students to professional help.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school counselor, or administrator, this site can help you better understand student needs—and take care of your own mental wellness too.

Ryther Stands With You

At Ryther, we work with children and families navigating complex behavioral health challenges. We’re grateful for the role educators play in helping us reach kids early, often at critical turning points. Many of the children we serve were first supported by someone at school who noticed something wasn’t quite right and made sure they got connected to care.

As we head into summer, please take time to rest, reflect, and recover. You deserve it. Thank you for your commitment to your students and for being part of the broader network of care that helps children thrive.

With deep gratitude,

The Ryther Team