Put Your Mask on First!

Abstract

This chapter explains how workplace well-being supports the well-being of Black students. Well-being is defined as the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous. To support is to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage. The chapter explores how school leaders–principals–can develop a culture that promotes mental and emotional health in the adults, so that these adults can then assist Black students with being happy and healthy, as well as building and sustaining their courage and perseverance. The assertion is that adults are responsible for student well-being. The chapter discusses the leadership characteristics needed to develop this type of organizational culture. The structures and systems necessary for schools to facilitate this culture of health and wellness will also be identified. Lastly, this chapter will examine the requisite knowledge and skills for principals to create a healthy organizational culture in their school, as they support the well-being of Black students.