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.
Setting Priorities in Trauma-Informed Education
In this excerpt from her new book, Alex Shevrin Venet explains how she makes decisions that support students who have experienced trauma.
Helping Students Cope With a Difficult Year
These tips on supporting emotion regulation and building strong relationships will help students next year and beyond.Making Students Feel Safe
A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success.128.8k
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.125.3k
Counting Down to Restore Calm in the Classroom
This simple mindfulness activity can help reset your brain when things get chaotic during the school day.3.8kA 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.89.2k
Are We Facing a Mental Health Crisis for Boys?
Emphasizing stoicism, toughness, and competition can leave boys without the emotional tools they need to thrive. How can we change course before the problem gets out of hand?5.5k
Covid-19’s Impact on Students’ Academic and Mental Well-Being
The pandemic has revealed—and exacerbated—inequities that hold many students back. Here’s how teachers can help.20.7k
Breaking the Cycle of Silence Around Black Mental Health
Data shows that Black youth are especially prone to develop mental health issues but less likely to seek out or receive the specialized services and care they need.638
Trauma is ‘Written Into Our Bodies’—but Educators Can Help
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s first surgeon general, on the impact of multigenerational adversity, SEL in the classroom, and the transformational powers of meditation.13.5k
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.20k60-Second Strategy: Snowball Toss
A quick, fun classroom activity fosters open dialogue while releasing pent-up energy.44.6k
5 Ways to Get to Know Your Middle and High School Students Better
When teachers take the time to build strong relationships with students, it sets the stage for productive learning.4k
In Schools, Finding Hope at a Hopeless Time
Research shows that hope is a measurable, learnable skill—and to feel hopeful, students and teachers have to work at it.3.6k
Getting in Tune to Soothe the Nervous System
Singing or humming can be a simple way to get the whole classroom recentered when things are out of hand.8.6k