Foundations of Student Support: SEL and Mental Health

Are you looking to better support the emotional and behavioral needs of your students? Creating a positive learning environment starts with understanding the deep connection between well-being and academic success. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health awareness, and behavioral guidance in a school setting. You will gain the foundational knowledge to identify student needs, implement effective strategies, and contribute to a school culture where every child feels safe, understood, and ready to learn. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental link between social-emotional health and academic achievement. - Learn to implement core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies in your practice. - Apply trauma-informed principles to create a more supportive and resilient classroom. - Practice strategies for positive behavior support and de-escalation. - Explore tiered systems of support (MTSS) to address the needs of all students, from universal to targeted interventions. - Recognize key indicators of common mental health challenges and understand appropriate first steps. The course begins by defining key terminology in student support and then progresses through practical frameworks for creating a positive school-wide environment. You'll move from foundational theories to actionable techniques you can apply in your role. This course is designed for aspiring and current educators, school counselors, administrators, and support staff. No prior experience in psychology or special education is required to begin. Start building the skills to make a lasting, positive impact on your students' lives.