Complex stress and challenges with teaching during a pandemic have impacted educators’ mental health and retention in the field. Educators are experiencing higher rates of work stress; as a result, teacher shortages are occurring both locally and nationally.

Educators are not typically viewed from a marginalization lens, but the educator population comprises marginalized individuals. Systemically marginalized community members experience limitations through work-based access to quality mental health services, the financial capacity to afford insurance co-pays or self-pay fees, or the resources to advocate for quality mental health professionals to support their unique needs. In addition, mental health practitioners in small, private practices have the qualifications to provide services but often do not have the administrative resources or capacity to accept insurance.