Tia Mowry is an actress and a mom of two. She and husband, Cory Hardrict, are parents to daughter Cairo Tiahna, 15 months, and son Cree Taylor, 8. We talked to her about getting her kids ready to go back to school and her new partnership with Walgreens and its new ME to WE program. Every purchase made from the Me to We Collection, helps provide teachers and their schools with tools and resources to empower their student. Shop the collection and read the interview with Mowry, below!

Do you have a favorite teacher from your childhood? I have two teachers from my childhood that really stand out as going above and beyond to make a difference in my life. The first, was my third grade teacher Mrs. Smallwood. You would be shocked to know this now, but I used to be terrified to raise my hand or ask questions in school. Mrs. Smallwood worked magic to bring me out of my shell and empower me to be exactly who I wanted to be. Secondly, when we talk about the importance of mental health and wellness, addressed through Walgreens WE Teachers program, I immediately think of my freshman seminar professor Dr. Banks. Class with him was more like therapy than anything else! He showed me the importance of prioritizing wellness and positive mental health in my life.

How have teachers made an impact on your children recently? My oldest, Cree, is going into third grade this fall. Even at the young age of 8, there have been instances of bullying at his school. It has been so important for his teachers to not only be in tune to these issues, but be equipped to step in during the many hours of the day that students are entrusted in their care. It has really been a team effort to ensure Cree feels safe, supported and guided as he decides the kind of person he wants to be. Since these issues like bullying, mental health and youth violence inevitably seep into the classroom, it’s important that our teachers are given the resources to selflessly go beyond their job description and make an impact.

As a mom, I truly appreciate and value the role teachers play in my own kids’ lives. That’s why this back-to-school season I partnered with Walgreens on their WE Teachers program, which provides free resources to any teacher across America to help them drive student success. Starting in September, teachers will have access to online training modules at no cost that help equip them to deal with these tough social issues that our kids face in and out of the classroom.

How can parents start to or continue to support their child’s teachers. What’s shocking, is that on average teachers spend approximately $500 of their own money to purchase supplies to stock their classrooms every year. And some spend a lot more. Parents can help support teachers by nominating them to receive the WE Teachers Award, which was launched by Walgreens to celebrate educators who go above and beyond for their students. Over this upcoming school year, Walgreens will be honoring at least 500 deserving teachers with a $500 Walgreens gift card to help purchase supplies for their classrooms.

Not only do I send Cree with supplies at the start of every school year, we sat down together to nominate Mrs. Iglo for the WE Teachers award.

You can also head to Walgreens for your back-to-school supplies this year. By simply shopping their back-to-school aisle, you join Walgreens commitment to supporting teachers and schools across America. Shoppers can also directly help expand the resources given through the WE Teachers program by making a cash donation at the register.

What are some of your back to school must-haves? This year, I’m loving the WE Teachers product line at Walgreens. They have backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, planners, scissors – everything you could imagine – and they’re so stylish and trendy. They make really great start-of-the-school-year gifts for your kids’ teachers!

Do you have tips for parents to make school mornings go more smoothly? With a 15-month-old and an 8-year-old, our mornings can be pretty hectic. Like most moms, I definitely haven’t mastered the school morning routine, but we do have rituals like packing everything up the night before that make mornings with my kids much more enjoyable.

What are your must-have self-care products? I could not live without Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery serum or my Saje Oils, and I absolutely LOVE my yoga mat.