Professional Development Simulations for K12 Educators to Address Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Concerns in the School Setting

Khalid, Nikita

This chapter addresses the role that K12 educators and school staff play in supporting student mental health and wellness within our educational system. Students who feel included, understood, and safe in their educational environment are better equipped to do well academically and have better social relationships. This chapter will first overview the status of student mental health and how this affects academic achievement, how student mental health can impact educator fatigue and burnout, overall school mental health culture, and barriers for help-seeking, which include mental health stigma, cultural perceptions of mental health, and cost and availability of care. The chapter will then review the impact of online role-play simulations from a suite of K12 programs that include three simulations: At-Risk for Elementary School Educators, At-Risk for Middle School Educators and At-Risk for High School Educators. These virtual role-plays teach educators and school personnel how to identify students in psychological distress and how to use motivational interviewing tactics that they can apply in conversations with students and parents to discuss their concerns and, if necessary, make a referral to the appropriate support services. As K12 educators become more cognizant of how to identify and refer those in need, the overall culture of school mental health and wellness will improve.