The Whole Child: Addressing Student Mental Health Needs

Student Mental Health In The Classroom

Early career teachers may feel as if they lack adequate support and training in addressing students' mental health needs. Early career teachers will be called upon to” educate about mental health and emotional well-being” in their classrooms, “identify and refer” students with possible mental, emotional, or behavioral problems, and “act as role models in the fostering of positive mental and emotional health” (Kidger et al., 2010, p. 922). Research indicates educators desire adequate mental health training to better help their students (Atkins et al., 2010; Reinke et al., 2011; Lindo et al., 2014; Moon et al., 2017). Early career teachers often are not equipped to handle mental health issues in their classrooms. This section discusses common mental health issues, contributing factors, and the outcomes of addressing mental health needs.