BLOG
The OEA Choice Trust blog is one more way for us to connect with school employees! Once or twice a month the blog will be updated with a new post featuring the latest in the science of well-being. Guest writers from other health and well-being organizations will also be invited to share their expertise. Please check back monthly or sign up for announcements from the Trust to be notified about new posts!
Getting (and Staying) Physically Active
As we continue to cope with a pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge that feeling stressed, worried or anxious is valid. If you have found yourself with less time, energy or motivation to workout, it’s understandable. Exercise is important for a variety of reasons...
SEW Conference Recap
Despite a pandemic, the 2021 Oregon School Employee Wellness Conference was a success! One hundred school districts, ESDs and community colleges attended the event and 89% of attendees were public school employees. There were 67 teams, or public K-12 districts, ESDs...
Walker Tracker Success Stories
This post consists of two stories written by Dustin Daniel and published by Walker Tracker. Dayton School District Powered by their custodian, Dayton School District (Dayton SD) is utilizing Walker Tracker to build a culture of health and well-being. All school...
Updates from OEA Choice Trust
After a year of new challenges and difficult situations, we’re happy to recap and celebrate some OEA Choice Trust accomplishments in 2020! New School Employee Wellness (SEW) Grantees OEA Choice Trust is proud to announce the latest recipients of a School...
Spring 2021 School Employee Wellness Grants
OEA Choice Trust is excited to announce another spring School Employee Wellness (SEW) Grant opportunity! School Employee Wellness Grants can help eligible K-12 districts, ESDs and community colleges to grow, develop and sustain employee wellness programs. Is it...
The Interconnectedness of School Employee Wellness During a Crisis
How does School Employee Wellness (SEW) fit in our current reality? Jess Lawrence, director of Cairn Guidance and former keynote speaker at the Oregon School Employee Wellness Conference, hosted a webinar to help school employees in our state connect some dots. Many...
Healthy Eating: What does it mean to you?
This post was written by guest bloggers Crista Hawkins, RDN and Erin Hirte, RDN of Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council and Jennifer Young, MPH, EdD, RDN of Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs. We all come to the table with our own traditions,...
Humor and Well-being
As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but does humor really improve well-being? The short answer is yes, humor can positively impact our physical and emotional well-being. The Benefits of Humor Laughter can have many benefits on our everyday...
The Role of Leadership in PPS NS Wellness Program
*Quotes are all captured from an interview with Whitney Ellersick, Nutrition Services Director of Portland Public Schools. The Portland Public Schools Nutrition Services (PPS NS) Department is in its third year of a pilot project with OEA Choice Trust. The...
Music Improves Staff Well-being, Student Performance
*Note: This post was written with assistance from psychologist and research scientist Dr. B Grace Bullock. Some days, all we need is peace and quiet. Other times, music can be a very helpful tool for boosting our well-being. Music can positively affect our emotional...