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.
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 Trauma
For teachers coping with adverse childhood experiences or other traumas, common classroom situations can trigger strong reactions.
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.
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
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 Depression
A look at some of the common symptoms teachers report—along with strategies and resources that can help.
Brain-Based Learning
Teaching Self-Regulation in the Early Grades
Activating young students’ natural bodily rhythms helps them regulate their nervous systems and prepare for learning.