Practical School Mental Health Tips and Tools
Designed with K-12 educators and school staff in mind, our blog distills the most current mental health research into simple, ready-to-use strategies. From expert advice to practical tools, we help you navigate the complex world of student mental health with confidence and clarity.
“Why Won’t They Just Go to School?” A Personal and Professional Reckoning with Chronic Absenteeism
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
This blog explores the roots of the national attendance crisis—from anxiety and disengagement to outdated interventions—and offers human-centered strategies to reconnect students to school.
Let's Keep Talking: Connecting with Teens about Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Harm
Sunday, June 1, 2025
In this blog, we take a closer look at the mental health challenges teens may face, including suicide and self-harm. You’ll find key definitions, potential warning signs to watch for, and compassionate strategies for starting these tough but vital conversations with your teen.
Your Guide to Navigating Community Mental Health Supports
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Looking for a mental health provider but don’t know where to start? This guide helps you navigate your needs, wants, goals, mental health provider compatibility, and the cost of services, so you can begin looking for a mental health provider.
Let's Talk: Conversation Starters for Connecting with Kids and Teens about Mental Health
Monday, March 31, 2025
When it comes to talking about mental health with children or teens, many parents struggle to find the right words. Learn practical, research-backed tips to help you create a safe, open environment where your children feel heard, understood, and supported.
Using Conditions for Learning Data to Improve School Climate and Culture
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Conditions for Learning includes aspects of school climate and culture, but in a very specific way. Discover how to leverage an evidence-based roadmap, assessment, and key implementation strategies to enhance Conditions for Learning and student outcomes in your K-12 school.
The Power of Micro-Moments: Transforming Lives Through Small Acts of Connection
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Micro-moments are brief but powerful interactions that shape our relationships and sense of belonging. In education, these are the small exchanges between teachers and students that can make a world of difference.
Systematic Goal-Setting, Not Empty Resolutions!
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Transform your resolutions into lasting habits. Learn why some New Year's resolutions succeed while others fail through one educator's personal story, and discover 4 research-backed steps for effective goal-setting that work for both adults and students.
Deconstructing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Friday, November 1, 2024
We deconstruct the 'mental health crisis' narrative, providing educators with a more nuanced framework. Explore four interconnected emotional states that can transform how you perceive and support student mental well-being.
From Perfectionism to Excellence: How to Encourage Students to Embrace Growth and Learning
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Learn how to identify and address maladaptive perfectionism in students. Discover strategies to foster excellence, encourage growth mindset, and support healthy academic achievement in the classroom.
Classroom Strategies to Improve the Mental and Academic Well-Being of Latinx Students
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Latinx students drop out of school at higher rates compared to their white and black peers. Learn tips to best support your Latinx students’ academic and mental well-being.
Therapeutic Classrooms: What are They and How They Support Students With Challenging Behaviors
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Mental health concerns are on the rise for Iowa youth, leading educators to become more interested in students’ social-emotional-behavioral health (SEBH). Therapeutic classrooms are a possible solution to these concerns.
How Therapeutic Classrooms are Changing the Lives of Students, Parents, and Teachers in Iowa
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Iowa educators have become more invested in the social-emotional-behavioral health (SEBH) needs of students, noting how those struggles might be impacting entire classrooms. One recent response to address this are therapeutic classrooms.