Mental Health and Optimal Development Toolbox

Stress and anxiety rates for students and educators have been sharply increasing, creating many challenges. Through the stress and anxiety toolkit, learners gain knowledge about the different types of stress and how some forms of stress can be helpful. Participants will also learn the difference between stress and anxiety, how to be aware of the presence and impact of stress and anxiety, and how to use strategies and tools that mitigate their harmful impact. The trauma-informed toolkit further equips participants to be responsive to the emotional and psychological needs of students. It provides knowledge on trauma and its impact on learning, examining implications for effective instruction and generative learning environments.

Fostering well-being and a sense of belonging mitigates mental health challenges and sets conditions for optimal learning. Through the certificate program, participants engage in our educator and student well-being toolkits which provide many strategies and tools to increase well-being. Educators explore the eight dimensions of wellness, creating plans to focus on strengthening targeted dimensions. Participants also learn the difference between burnout and demoralization, which is crucial to managing both and increasing well-being. Educators also learn ways to support student well-being in and out of the classroom. The belonging toolkit further supports well-being work with many strategies to foster belonging for students and through the school’s larger culture.