Mental health challenges are common in youth. K-12 educators are well positioned to (1) decrease mental health stigma in schools (2) identify youth experiencing these challenges, and (3) provide critical relational and systemic support to youth. This self-paced interactive course uses video vignettes and interactive reflections and discussions to prepare educators to identify and support students experiencing mental health challenges.

In this course educators will: (1) identify their own automatic responses to student behaviors (2) increase awareness of mental health stigma (3) learn about fourcommon types of mental health challenges in youth (4) learn trauma-sensitive practices

Objectives

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Evaluate personal responses to behavior in the classroom.
Recognize mental health stigma from real life scenarios and demonstrate speech and behaviors that minimize stigma.
Categorize mental health challenges of youth into four main areas: externalizing, internalizing, attention and trauma.
Evaluate when behaviors may signify the presence of a mental health challenge.
Compare and contrast the prevalence and impact of: stress, adversity, child trauma and child traumatic stress.
Identify individuals who can provide support for students experiencing mental health challenges.

Target Audience: K-12 educators eager to enhance their ability to connect with youth in their schools by increasing knowledge and skills regarding common mental health challenges and trauma-sensitive practices.

Credential: Badge(s), Certificate (free)

Course is offered by the University of Colorado Boulder.

Course Instructors

Monica Fitzgerald, PhD

Director, Center for Resilience & Wellbeing in Schools

Monica is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Colorado in the Institute of Behavioral Science. She directs the Center for Resilience and Wellbeing in Schools, a national leader and resource hub to facilitate creation of safe, supportive school environments, supported by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Jessica Gorrono, LCSW

Director of Engagement and Equity, Center for Resilience and Wellbeing in Schools

Ms. Gorrono is a licensed clinical social worker and the Director of Engagement & Equity at the Center for Resilience and Wellbing in Schools at CU Boulder. Her experience includes roles in every major youth and family serving system including schools. Ms. Gorrono provides training and consultation on system improvement and evidence based practices

Kimberly Shipman, Phd

Director of Research, Center for Resilience & Wellbeing in Schools

Dr. Shipman is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Behavioral Science at CU Boulder and Research Director of the Center for Resilience and Well-being. She is a licensed psychologist with considerable expertise emotion socialization, children’s social and emotional development, child mental health and child trauma.