Reclaiming Humanity in Education: The Vital Role of Every School Community Member

In the aftermath of the global pandemic, educators have grappled with unprecedented challenges—not simply burnout, but a deeper sense of demoralization. As described in a previous EdSurge piece, demoralization occurs when teachers 'encounter consistent and pervasive challenges to enacting the values that motivate their work.' In 2021, those challenges were obvious: navigating online platforms, replicating student services virtually, and compensating for lost time in instruction, social-skill development, and relationship-building. Today, while the acute crisis has faded, its context persists—and the response has often fallen short. As the authors of Going the Distance: The Teaching Profession in a Post-COVID World (2024) note, 'A crisis is not merely an event: it’s the context in which an event takes place and the response to that event.' The pandemic may be over, but have we truly transformed the conditions that made schooling so dehumanizing?

More than ever, teaching is the most critical work we can do. When the world feels chaotic, the priority is helping students claim their humanity and reminding educators that the communal learning experience matters deeply. This reflection brings me full circle, but with a broader and deeper understanding of what truly makes a school. We often say, 'It takes a village…' Yet we must recognize that the village is right here—the entire school community. What makes a school more human is not just principals and teachers, but also child welfare staff, paraeducators, campus supervisors, guidance counselors, cafeteria workers, coaches, librarians, custodians, and secretaries. This list is long, but naming these roles is essential because they are the ones who create belonging, offer support, and stand by students when they need it most.

The Lingering Crisis in Education

The pandemic’s end did not erase the underlying issues. Teachers continue to face pressure to compensate for lost time while being blamed for societal problems. Yet the real challenge lies in shifting the narrative from individual burnout to collective responsibility. Demoralization is distinct from burnout: it reflects a systemic misalignment between educators’ values and the daily realities they face. To rebuild, we must acknowledge that every adult on campus plays a part in creating an environment grounded in mutual respect and empathy.

From Demoralization to Renewal

Five years ago, I was demoralized. Today, I am revitalized and committed to my role as an educator, instructional coach, and teacher advocate. This transformation did not happen in isolation. Participating in the inaugural cohort of the Voices of Change fellowship gave me the tools to amplify my voice. I have since contributed essays to The California Educator, Edutopia, and EdSurge, and joined podcast panels discussing social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and civil discourse in the classroom. This fellowship taught me the power of perspective: that the onus is on all of us to co-create a school culture where humanity thrives.

The Hidden Heroes of School Communities

Too often, we overlook the staff who make schools function beyond the classroom. Consider the cafeteria worker who greets each student by name, or the custodian who ensures a safe, welcoming space. The guidance counselor who listens without judgment, the coach who teaches teamwork, and the librarian who fosters curiosity—all these roles contribute to the humanizing education students need. Paraeducators, campus supervisors, and child welfare staff are on the front lines, often supporting students who face the greatest challenges. Their work is invisible but indispensable.

Why Every Role Matters for Student Belonging

When students feel a sense of belonging, their academic and social outcomes improve. Research consistently shows that positive relationships with adults in school reduce dropout rates and increase engagement. By valuing every staff member’s contribution, we send a powerful message: that everyone is responsible for nurturing students’ humanity. This collective ownership transforms a school from a transactional institution into a thriving community.

Fostering a Culture of Mutual Respect and Empathy

Creating such a culture requires intentional effort. It starts with modeling empathy in every interaction—between adults, and between adults and students. Instructional coaches and leaders can facilitate professional development that highlights the interconnectedness of all roles. For example, a workshop on trauma-informed practices might include cafeteria workers and front office staff, not just teachers. When everyone understands the context of students’ lives, the entire school becomes a support network.

Internal anchor: The power of educator advocacy lies in challenging the status quo. We must communicate that while teachers have been beaten down, they also hold the herculean task of helping students learn to be human together. This messaging must be coupled with tangible support—reduced administrative burdens, more collaborative planning time, and genuine recognition of all staff.

The Power of Educator Advocacy and Voice

My own revitalization came through finding my voice. Writing articles, joining panels, and sharing stories allowed me to see that change is possible when educators speak collectively. The Voices of Change fellowship provided a platform to influence policy and practice. Other teachers can similarly engage—by joining professional networks, writing for education blogs, or advocating for school board policies that prioritize human connection over test scores. The narrative shifts when educators lead the conversation.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Humanity Together

The journey from demoralization to revitalization is not just personal—it is systemic. To make schools truly human again, we must recognize and elevate every member of the village. It takes principals, teachers, and the staff who often go unnoticed. It takes a commitment to mutual respect and a willingness to change the context, not just react to events. As educators, we have the opportunity to model the humanity we wish to see. Let us seize it together.