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As parents, we know that we are better able to care for our children if we take care of ourselves. We also know that one of the best ways to teach our children to make healthy choices and get enough exercise is to model healthy behavior. Teachers can do the same during the school day. Staff members who feel healthy are more likely to be able to teach our children with energy and enthusiasm, and teachers who are active serve as positive role models for our kids.
There are many ways to support staff wellness iin schools. Providing healthy food in teachers' room vending machines, educational activities on healthy lifestyle behaviors, peer support groups for weight management or stress management and after school physical activity opportunities are just a few.
In addition, staff wellness programs make economic sense. They can improve staff productivity, decrease employee absenteeism, decrease employee health care costs, and improve morale by creating a sense of community.
One easy way to get staff walking in your school is to do what Glenfield Middle School has done this year - start a staff walking club!
October 2011 monthly awards Irvelle Penn-Cowan most times walked - 20 times! Nadine Quatorze most miles walked -58 miles! November 2011 monthly awards: Harriett Parker most times walked -30 times! Isabel Aguero most miles walked - 88.78 miles! Last spring, Glenfield art teacher Cathy Kondreck reached out to fellow teachers interested in walking together before or after school. This fall, 30 Glenfield teachers have committed to walking in adjacent Glenfield Park at least once a week for six months. A weekly schedule goes out so that teachers can meet and walk together. Eat. Play. Live...Better Montclair, an initiative sponsored by Partners for Health, a Community Foundation serving the Montclair area, has provided a monetary grant to the club to cover the cost of incentives for the teachers who walk the most each month. Each club members also received a tee shirt, water bottle, and pedometer. | 
