The Need for Teacher Training in Mental Health and Social Work

In her first year as a teacher, Stephanie Malia Krauss realized that teaching effectively involved a broader range of skills than those provided by her teacher-preparation program. She discovered that providing therapeutic or human care in a crisis is essential for creating an environment conducive to learning. Krauss believes that all teachers should have a basic understanding of children’s health, social work, and mental health.

The need for teachers to possess such skills has become more critical in recent years, as children face increasing challenges such as political division, racial violence, extreme rhetoric, intensifying storms, mass shootings, economic crises, and global pandemics. Krauss is the author of a new book, “Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive,” which discusses the importance of mental health first aid and emotional wound care for students.

Krauss also suggests that schools should incorporate practices like mindfulness and breathing checks into their day-to-day routines to help students manage their emotions. She emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility and collaboration among all adults involved in raising or working with children.

Despite the politicization of social-emotional learning in America’s culture wars, Krauss hopes that by presenting scientific research, stories, and strategies without using inflammatory language, her book can contribute to a common understanding of the support young people need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Citations:

Young, J.R. (2023, April 25). Why All Teachers Need Training in Mental Health and Social Work. EdSurge.