Teacher Resources

Welcome Teachers!

You will find several resources that will help you educate our amazing Waterford Junior High School Students!

Ted Talks to Consider

Every Student Needs a Champion

Mental Health Days

Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard

Effects of Trauma

Why SEL in the Classroom?

Why Social and Emotional Learning Is Essential for StudentsLearn more about the critical role that social and emotional learning plays in promoting student success.

Long-term Benefits of Social- Emotional Learning for At-Risk Students | Resilient EducatorFinding a way to reach at-risk students who are struggling in various ways can be difficult, but social-emotional learning can open doors. Copious research has shown that the impact of social-emotional learning (SEL) runs deep. SEL programs are shown to increase academic achievement and positive social interactions, and decrease negative outcomes later in life. SEL helps individuals develop competencies that last a lifetime. The five components of social-emotional learning are: self-awareness self-management social awareness relationship skills responsible decision-making "When students are struggling and school performance is poor, they are more likely to find school and learning as a source of anxiety, manifesting in diminished self-efficacy, motivation, engagement, and connectedness with school," says Dr. Christina Cipriano. Therefore, when it comes to our nation's most at-risk students, receiving SEL training in the classroom can make a huge difference in preparing them for

Curriculum

A Daily Support System for StudentsStudents who need extra social and emotional support have a quick check-in with an adult at the start and end of each day.

Check In Check Out (CICO)

Why should I do it:

Improves student accountability
Increases structure
Improves student behavior and academics when other interventions have failed
Provides feedback and adult support on a daily basis
Improves and establishes daily home/school communication and collaboration
Improves student organization, motivation, incentive, and reward
Helps students to self-monitor and correct
Internalizes success and accomplishment of goals
Students get involved and excited about the program, enjoying the structure, support, and incentives of the intervention
Leads to maintenance-free responsible behaviors, habits, and effort

The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is a brief educational program designed to teach "gatekeepers"--those who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, police officers) -- the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond by following three steps: Question the individual's desire or intent regarding suicide Persuade the person to seek and accept help Refer the person to appropriate resources

A conversation can be life-changing. For many people, feeling supported is just what they need.

And in this time of change and uncertainty, showing up for a student is more important than ever.

It can be challenging, though, to know exactly what to say when someone tells you they are stressed, having a difficult day, or are in pain or have a mental health need.

Active Minds suggests an approach that includes 3 V-A-R Steps so you’ll know what to say and do in those moments. A conversation that includes the elements of Validate-Appreciate-Refer is one that allows you to actively listen to someone you care about and help them cope. A conversation with you could make all the difference and prevent a crisis from developing later.