George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia

Mental Health

Find compassionate perspectives and evidence-based strategies to foster school environments that promote psychological well-being and support students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or social challenges.

  • Loss—and Hope—After a Cluster of Student Suicides

    Nearly 1 in 5 high school students seriously considers suicide in a year. After a cluster of suicides, a district decides it’s time to talk more frankly about the issue.
    Nora Fleming

  • Speaking Up on Teen Stress

    As schools look for guidance into the rise in high school stress, teens and educators share their insights.

  • A District Responds to Student Suicides

    After losing four students to suicide, a California district launches a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.

  • A De-escalation Exercise for Upset Students

    A simple technique that takes just a few minutes can help an agitated student regain the state of mind needed for learning.
    Daniel Vollrath

  • Simple Metacognitive Strategies to Help Anxious Learners Succeed

    Anxiety and learning go hand in hand, but research suggests that simple activities focused on self-talk and metacognitive reflection can create calmer, more focused learners.
    Youki Terada

  • Making Students Feel Safe

    A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success. 

  • When Students Are Traumatized, Teachers Are Too

    Trauma in students’ lives takes an emotional and physical toll on teachers as well. Experts weigh in on the best ways to cope.
    Emelina Minero

  • A Daily Support System for Students

    Students who need extra social and emotional support have a quick check-in with an adult at the start and end of each day.

  • Understanding Trauma-Informed Education

    The principal of an internationally recognized trauma-informed school explains what this form of education is—and what it isn’t.
    Mathew Portell

  • Helping Students Return to School After a Mental Health Crisis

    Returning to school after a mental health crisis can be hard for students, but setting aside space and time for recovery can help them adjust.
    Laura Lee

  • As Teen Stress Increases, Teachers Look for Answers

    Seventy percent of teens say stress is a major problem. Research backs that up—and teachers are beginning to offer solutions.
    Andrew Simmons

  • 60-Second Strategy: Snowball Toss

    A quick, fun classroom activity fosters open dialogue while releasing pent-up energy.

  • The How and Why of Trauma-Informed Teaching

    In an extraordinary Twitter chat, educators discuss building trauma-informed social and emotional learning environments.
    Alex Shevrin Venet

  • Creating a Dedicated Space for Reflection

    Providing students with a quiet spot where they can calm themselves in times of stress helps them develop self-regulation.

  • Addressing Persistent Defiance

    Any student may refuse to cooperate at times, but handling students with oppositional defiant disorder requires that teachers have a plan.
    Nina Parrish