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.

  • Mental Health

    Responding to Students With Addiction

    Supporting students with drug and alcohol dependency isn’t easy—but some strategies are more helpful than others.
  • Brain-Based Learning

    Bringing the Science of Learning Into Classrooms

    Years of research prompt a group of scientists to ask whether we should rethink the way we do school.
  • Mental Health

    Getting Started With Trauma-Informed Practices

    When teachers use strategies tailored to children who have experienced trauma, all students reap the emotional and academic benefits.
  • Mental Health

    Making Students Feel Safe

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

    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.
  • Teacher Wellness

    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.
  • Mental Health

    60-Second Strategy: Snowball Toss

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

    Addressing Persistent Defiance

    Any student may refuse to cooperate at times, but handling students with oppositional defiant disorder requires that teachers have a plan.
  • Social and Emotional Learning

    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.
  • Teachers Weigh In

    The How and Why of Trauma-Informed Teaching

    In an extraordinary Twitter chat, educators discuss building trauma-informed social and emotional learning environments.
  • Teacher Wellness

    Teaching With Depression

    A look at some of the common symptoms teachers report—along with strategies and resources that can help.
  • Mental Health

    Supporting Students With Chronic Trauma

    De-escalation strategies can help prevent students’ emotional outbursts, and aid them and their peers in finding calm after one.
  • Teacher Wellness

    Teaching With Trauma

    For teachers coping with adverse childhood experiences or other traumas, common classroom situations can trigger strong reactions.
  • Social and Emotional Learning

    60-Second Strategy: Guided Meditation

    A short contemplative exercise can help students calm themselves and get ready to learn.
  • Mental Health

    Helping High Schoolers Manage Emotions

    De-escalation spaces allow students to leave stressful situations or interactions so they can process their emotions and then return to learning.