Summer break offers an opportunity for educators to rest, recharge, and plan for the upcoming school year. As you enjoy this well-deserved downtime, our team is here to help you support your own mental health and that of your students. In this post, you’ll find resources to care for your well-being, prepare for the fall, and make a difference in young people’s lives by creating a Stigma-Free classroom environment – all available at no cost.

Summer Mental Health Resources for School Staff

 As an educator, you give so much to your students, and it’s just as important to give back to yourself. Your well-being not only helps yourself, but your entire school community. Studies show that positive educator wellness is linked to better student outcomes. When you pour into your own cup, you are better able to show up for others!

At Stigma-Free Mental Health, a core part of our mission is uplifting educators – that’s why our Student Mental Health Toolkit includes a section dedicated to Mental Health for School Staff, covering topics like:

• Strategies to manage stress and burnout
• Tips for balancing work and personal life
• Videos on caring for your mental well-being

We invite you to access these resources at no cost today.

Professional Development Opportunity

Our Stigma- Free Professional Development Day Sessions are designed for educators, school counsellors, and all school staff. In these interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to navigate our Student Mental Health Toolkit and implement our no-cost resources in your classroom. You’ll also watch a live demonstration of a personal story shared by one of our presenters from our Stigma-Free Presentations.

Summer is the perfect time to request a Pro-D Day session for your school this fall. Empower yourself and your colleagues with tools that enhance your classroom environment and personal growth: request a Pro-D Day Session.

Planning a Stigma-Free Classroom

 As you start planning for September, consider these tips for creating a welcoming, Stigma-Free classroom:

• Normalize discussions about mental health. When topics related to mental well-being come up, it can be helpful to respond with openness and reassurance. Let students know that mental health challenges are common and nothing they should be ashamed of. Check out our blog on discussing mental health with teens for guidance on navigating these conversations.
• Empower students to create a positive school climate. Starting student-led mental health initiatives at your school can have a ripple effect and foster a supportive environment. Learn how launching a Stigma-Free Club can inspire your students to make an impact in their community.
• Incorporate engaging activities focused on mental health. Browse the quizzes, comic books, and interactive videos on the Student Mental Health Toolkit for ideas. The Toolkit also offers…

Our Toolkit is constantly evolving to make classroom use as seamless as possible. Our resources are available in both English and French, and we are currently updating our Lesson Plans to align with the Alberta curriculum.

• Lesson plans for grades 4-7 and 8-12
• Downloadable resources and handouts
• A section on diverse-ability and inclusion
• Inspiring Stories
• And more!

Register for full access to the Toolkit to start using our mental health resources at your school.

Did You Know?

The culture at your school can make a major difference in the mental health of both staff and students. A positive school culture has been linked to higher well-being among educators. For students, an uplifting and inclusive classroom environment can play a protective role, reducing feelings like loneliness that may adversely affect mental health. Researchers emphasize the need for stronger support and resources in schools – and that’s exactly what our programs are designed to provide.

Browse Our Stigma-Free School Program

Your dedication to your role as an educator not only shapes your students’ academic success, but also their well-being. We want to acknowledge and thank you for all the incredible work you do in your school community. Supporting your own wellness is an essential first step to fostering a positive mental health culture in the classroom. This summer, we encourage you to take time to rest and remember that our no-cost resources are here to support you!

References

Dreer, B. (2022). Teacher well-being: Investigating the contributions of school climate and job crafting. Cogent Education, 9(1).

Katulis, G., Kaniušonytė, G., & Laursen, B. (2023). Positive classroom climate buffers against increases in loneliness arising from shyness, rejection sensitivity and emotional reactivity. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14.

Lane, K., Weatherby, K., & Bain, M. (2023, December 12). Staff Wellbeing is Essential for Student Success. EdCan Network.

Author: Monique Zizzo