George Lucas Educational Foundation

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.

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  • A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Awareness and Prevention

    Schools can develop a thoughtful plan to discuss the topic with students by addressing both risk factors and protective factors of suicide.
    Kailen Stover
    266
  • Why Bullying Is Too Narrow a Lens for Addressing Conflict in Middle School

    Everyday conflict can get in the way of academics in the middle grades. Kids need to learn the essential social competencies that will allow them to get back to productive learning.
    161
  • Making Students Feel Safe

    A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success. 
    129.4k
  • A side profile of a young woman. Part of her face is comprised of triangles that are breaking off of her face.

    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.
    112.8k
  • 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.
    89.8k
  • Boys Are Falling Behind. What Can We Do About It?

    Boys are underperforming in school, harming their future job prospects and potential for economic mobility. A new book argues it’s the system that needs fixing, not boys.
    4.5k
  • Illustration of an achievement gap concept

    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.
    27.8k
  • 60-Second Strategy: Snowball Toss

    A quick, fun classroom activity fosters open dialogue while releasing pent-up energy.
    44.6k
  • Some Schools Are Prioritizing More Sleep for Kids. Is It Making a Difference?

    Despite public skepticism about changing school start times, evidence from schools that have made the plunge seems clear: It leads to better-rested, more motivated students.
    984
  • Illustration concept showing teen under stress

    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.
    24.4k
  • Helping Students Reacclimate to Being With Others All Day

    Many students are still a little overwhelmed at being around their peers, though they’re also excited. Some simple strategies can help them adjust to being back in school.
    10.5k
  • A black and white illustration of a young woman looking distressed

    The How and Why of Trauma-Informed Teaching

    In an extraordinary Twitter chat, educators discuss building trauma-informed social and emotional learning environments.
    32.7k
  • Illustration of a boy with scribbled lines on his head that indicate stress and anxiety.

    In High School, the Kids Are Not All Right

    With social and academic pressure mounting, a teacher shares what he’s learned about tracking his students’ mental well-being.
    34.8k
  • Teacher talking to a student about her oppositional behavior

    Addressing Persistent Defiance

    Any student may refuse to cooperate at times, but handling students with oppositional defiant disorder requires that teachers have a plan.
    26.6k
  • 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.
    30k

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.
Edutopia® and Lucas Education Research™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries.