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.

  • Supporting Students in the Hospital

    One teacher shares her advice for teaching a student who is hospitalized and her tips for reentry into the classroom.
    Kelley Spainhour

  • Supporting Students Affected by Trauma

    Just as students with learning challenges need academic accommodations, students who have adverse childhood experiences may benefit from social and emotional accommodations.
    Lori Desautels

  • Students Tackle Life's Challenges Together

    Facing stress and frustrations from school, parents, and relationships, students turn to peer counselors for help.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Identifying and Supporting Students With Dyspraxia

    Dyspraxia affects fine and gross motor development and can make it difficult for kids to learn, but there are ways teachers can help.
    Laura Thomas

  • 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

  • The Evolution of a Trauma-Informed School

    Two years after Edutopia filmed trauma-informed practices at a Nashville school, we check in with the principal to see what has changed.
    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