Today we heard from Dr. Culbertson. She is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aide Instructor. As a class we looked at our role as teachers in caring for students struggiling with mental health.
During adolescents students are going through a lot of changes. They are experiencing changes in physical, social, emotional, and mental areas. If you can imagine all of these changes in a couple of years has an impact on the students behavior and mental health. In one of my behavioral intervention classes we talked about how all behaviors have a purpose. Very rarely do behaviors occur for no reason. So, if a student is acting out, it is most likely because something is bothering them or they are overwhelmed by the new changes in their lives.
It is important for teachers to be diligent observers of how their students are doing. We want to create a space of respect and care where students feel safe to share what is going on. It is also important for teachers to make sure that they know the other professionals in the building. Like the school counselor, principal, and nurse so they can use them as a resource to help the students. Overall, the most important thing is to have a relationship with the students and help erase the stigma of mental health.