As a school social worker and mental health clinician for more than 13 years, LaTasha Anderson knows firsthand how demanding the job of an educator can be, and how easily mental health can be overlooked by public-school educators who spend their careers putting the needs of students first.

“Educators absolutely do forget to take care of themselves,” said Anderson, who serves both Wooddale High School in Memphis and Germantown Elementary School. “Mental health is health, period. People like to separate mental health from physical health, but it’s all connected—it’s holistic.”

Anderson’s work has made her an advocate for increasing mental health supports for students and educators as she has seen the demand for professional help skyrocket since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had a lot of children who lost parents and grandparents during the pandemic,” she said. “Now, students come to my office and say, ‘I need help with anger management’ or ‘I need help with grief.’ I don’t have to ask anymore—they’re seeking us out.”

Despite the urgent need, school districts across the country are scaling back on mental health positions. As Anderson currently splits her time between two schools due to clinician shortages, she hopes her district and the state of Tennessee will not follow suit. 

“The need is great, and the work we do is critical. We hope budget cuts don’t affect our ability to provide this support,” Anderson said. 

In the face of these challenges, Anderson said being a member of TEA, the United Education Association of Shelby Co. (UEA), and NEA, has been essential for her own well-being and professional growth.

“It’s been cathartic. Being involved in advocacy, working for kids, and fighting for better working conditions—this is what we do. It came at the right time for me, when I needed to be busy and stay grounded,” Anderson said.

Through her local, state and national association, Anderson has found not only a professional support network but also plenty of benefits she can use in her daily life. 

“I’ve used NEA Member Benefits’ travel dollars,” she said. “It made a recent trip to Las Vegas very affordable. I booked my ticket for under $300 within just two weeks of traveling.” 

Beyond the perks that more than offset the cost of her membership, what Anderson values most is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and improve public education for all students in Tennessee. 

Her involvement in collaborative conferencing (PECCA) and learning about parliamentary procedures has expanded her ability to advocate effectively for educators and students alike.

“I love association work. I love advocacy and fighting for the rights of others,” Anderson said. “Being part of TEA has given me the tools and community to do that.”

As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, Anderson is hopeful that educators and school leaders will prioritize the well-being of both students and school staff. Having been elected by her peers to the TEA Board of Directors, Anderson said she hopes to inspire educators across the state to take better care of their mental health.

“We pour so much into others,” she said. “But we have to make time to pour into ourselves.”