In June 2022, the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (formerly the Iowa Center for School Mental Health) awarded $1 million in research grants to support interventions to improve social, emotional, behavioral, or psychological outcomes in Iowa’s PreK-12 schools. Each project is two years and will run from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.

Mark McDermott and Kari Vogelgesang with headsets and podcast mics

In the news: UI professors begin new podcast to bring awareness about education challenges

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
University of Iowa College of Education professors Kari Vogelgesang and Mark McDermott have begun co-hosting their own podcast to discuss topics related to teacher wellness and challenges in education. The “EDUcation Unscripted and Xplored” podcast aired its first two episodes in January and is available on the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health website, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Teacher and student walking down the hallway in a school

Supporting Students with Eating Disorders: A Guide for Educators

Sunday, February 1, 2026
Educators are often the first to notice warning signs of eating disorders. Learn what to look for, why early intervention matters, and how to support students.
A girl closing her eyes focusing on breathing with green leafy walls behind her and books on shelf

Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Friday, January 2, 2026
Anxiety affects millions of K–12 students. Explore common anxiety disorders, what symptoms look like in kids, and strategies that help students feel safe and supported.
Hands with blue wrist bands in a circle

Caring Beyond the Clinic: How School Nurse Kelly Gillespie Supports Students and Staff 

Monday, December 15, 2025
Kelly Gillespie’s dedication to student and staff well-being has made her a trusted presence in her school community. Kelly, a school nurse at Muscatine Community School District is honored as the December 2025 Iowa School Mental Health Hero of the Month.
A group of kids playing basketball on a playground with clouds in the sky

Beyond the Bell: Why Third Spaces Matter for Whole-Community and School Well-Being

Monday, December 1, 2025
Learn what "third spaces" are, why they matter for systems wellness, and ways we can all work to create third spaces that cultivate belonging, connection, and joy.
Dave Haden headshot

The “Higher Edge” Spotlight: Dave Haden, Southeastern Community College

Thursday, November 20, 2025
In this "Higher Edge" spotlight, meet Dave Haden from Southeastern Community College.
A graphic of a gauge with stress, distress, disorder, crisis

Stress and Distress ≠ Disorder and Crisis

Thursday, November 20, 2025
Media tell us too often that we are more anxious and depressed than we’ve ever been. These are both categories of diagnoses that do not always accurately represent how we feel. Learn about the gauge of stress to crisis and tips for managing emotionality.
Barry Schreir with two students

In the news: UI Develops Innovative Training to Support Student Mental Health

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
C.A.R.E.S. teaches new Hawkeyes how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Barry Schreier, director of higher education programming in the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and clinical professor of counseling psychology in the College of Education, helped craft authentic dialogue and responses for the simulation and served as the module’s narrator, guiding students through each stage of the training.
Six people standing outside, behind a table, looking into the camera smiling.

Homeschooled Student Madison Lear Models Mental Health Advocacy

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Madison Lear's passion for mental health and well-being has made her an inspiration. Madison, a homeschooled senior who contributes to creating a positive mental health culture at Marion High School and Ambassador for the I'm Glad You Stayed Project, is honored as the November 2025 Iowa School Mental Health Hero of the Month.
Three educators talking in a school hallway

Healthy Leadership Starts Here: 10 Practical Tips

Sunday, November 2, 2025
From SelfCare to StaffCare, learn 10 ways to put healthy leadership into your practice.