When Students Beg for Help, Why Did Schools Say No?

Do I Hate Teachers? Let’s Clear This Up.

A message hit my LinkedIn inbox last week, leaving me thinking. A woman had asked me, “Why do you hate teachers so much?” It caught me off guard. I thought about it for a moment and responded, “Do I give off that vibe?”

This wasn’t the first time I’d heard something like this. It happened once before, about two years ago, when I was working as the Executive Director for HowAreYouFeeling—a mental health program designed to help kids navigate their emotions. I remember the context of that earlier accusation vividly, and honestly, it stung just as much back then. I called out schools on their indifference and not the teachers.

The Frustration with Closed Doors

My frustration has never been with the teachers themselves. I greatly respect those who show up daily, guiding our kids through math, science, literature, and so much more. They’re often the first to notice when a student struggles, and they have a tough job. But I do lose respect for “school boards” and “administrative systems” that seem unwilling to embrace new ideas—especially when their students call for change.

Take this example from my time with HowAreYouFeeling.org. Bob Calvert, the co-creator, and I led an online volunteer session. On this call were eight teenage girls from a private school. At the end of the program, these girls told us our program had “changed their lives.” Let that sink in for a moment—teenage girls, a tough audience to impress, said that our program had a profound impact on them.

Encouraged, we asked them to share their feedback with their school administration. And they did, eagerly. But the response they received? “We already have our programs in place.” That was it. Dismissed without a second thought. When those girls returned to us with that message, I was gutted.

This wasn’t a one-off experience either. Over 96% of the students who completed our course said what they were learning about mental and emotional health in school was simply inadequate. Yet, repeatedly, we faced a similar brick wall from schools, stating they didn’t need anything new. Meanwhile, we were changing lives with a 93% approval rate. Think we were on to something?

Why I Speak Up

So, back to the question—do I hate teachers? ‘Absolutely not.’ I have nothing but admiration for those who dedicate their lives to teaching our children. However, I do have a serious issue with a system that refuses to evolve, especially when its students are telling them they need more support. It’s frustrating to see administrators turn away programs that could make a difference because they think they’ve covered it.

Newsflash: when 96% of students say what they’re learning about mental health is inadequate, it’s time to listen!

This unwillingness to adapt doesn’t just shortchange the students—it also leaves teachers without the resources they need to truly address the growing mental health crisis among their students. The CDC recently reported that nearly 60% of teenage girls and 30% of teenage boys experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The kids are speaking, the data is shouting, and yet the system remains stuck.

The Real Problem? It Starts at the Top

If my LinkedIn posts seem critical, it's because I believe we can do better. The real issue is not with teachers but with school boards, principals, and administrative leaders who are too set in their ways. They're not listening to their students. It’s like they have blinders on, unwilling to consider innovative programs that could offer real, practical help for the kids who need it most.

Think about it: if a student is brave enough to raise their hand and say, “This isn’t working for me,” shouldn’t we be listening? Shouldn’t we be exploring every option, especially when we’re talking about kids’ mental health—a topic that can literally mean the difference between life and death?

I’ve seen what happens when kids don’t get their needed help. I’ve lived that nightmare with my own daughter, Maddie. I’ve walked through the fire, and I can’t just stand by while others face the same struggle.

A Call for Change

So, no, I don’t hate teachers. I hate complacency. I hate the “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality that puts pride over progress. I hate that parents and kids have to fight so hard for the help they need. And most of all, I hate that we’re not using every tool at our disposal to give kids a better chance at navigating their mental and emotional challenges.

Thank you to those in the education system who are willing to listen. To those who are willing to push for better programs, more resources, and real conversations about mental health—you’re making a difference. Let’s not stop until every student has the support they deserve.

Let’s Work Together for a Better Future

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do know change is possible. It starts with listening to the students, the teachers on the front lines, and the parents who see their kids' daily struggles. It’s time to prioritize mental health, not just a box to check off in a curriculum.

If we can come together—parents, teachers, administrators, and communities—we can create a future where schools truly are a safe space for every student. And isn’t that what we all want?

Let’s make it personal!.

#MentalHealthMatters #SupportOurKids #ChangeStartsNow #EducationReform #HowAreYouFeeling #MakeItPersonal