Mental Health Update
MH Update – 8/5/20 – MHANYS Panel Discussion with Secondary Schools Tomorrow at Ten: Also check out Media Coverage of Yesterday’s Webinar with Elementary School Teachers:
Tomorrow, MHANYS is offering a follow up webinar from yesterday regarding Supporting Student Mental Health Needs for Middle School and High School Students. Information about registration for the webinar is listed below. There is no cost to attend.
Yesterday, we brought together four elementary school teachers to talk about their expectation for the coming school year recognizing the mental health impact to students, educators and families. Channel 10, the ABC news affiliate in Albany did a story about the webinar that is posted below. Thanks to our expert panelists and MHANYS Education Consultant Sue Wollner for moderating the event.
Please note that MHANYS very much recognizes the mental health issues regarding the opening of schools. These issues will be highlighted throughout the month of August. We have updated our webpage to reflect those changes and to imbed valuable tools regarding mental health for educators, students and their families. You can go to the site at www.mentalhealthEDnys.org
Reflecting, Rethinking, Responding to Support Student Mental Health Needs: Secondary School Panel
Thursday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am
A change in school environment this fall to socially distanced In-person, remote, or a hybrid model for classroom instruction will pose challenges to educators and students, including having an impact on mental health. A proactive approach to supporting the social-emotional needs of students and mental health education is essential and can make school personnel and students more resilient. Hear from educators representing a wide range of community demographics as they reflect on their experiences and how they are planning to support the mental health of themselves and students this coming school year.
Secondary School Panel: August 6th at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
REGISTRATION CLOSED
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N.Y. elementary school teachers talk about mental health struggles
by: Sarah Darmanjian
Posted: Aug 5, 2020 / 01:38 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 5, 2020 / 01:38 PM EDT
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)- A panel of four elementary school educators spoke about the mental health struggles they and their students faced last school year in a virtual webinar hosted by the Mental Health Association of New York. Teachers said despite the struggle, they are dedicated to helping students any way they can.
Learning how to help students cope with isolation and loneliness while experiencing those same feelings, teachers said was challenging. They said getting caregivers to engage with them and teaching while caring for their own children was also tough.
Special Education Teacher, Julie Robinson, said the majority of her students did not have access to the internet in Orleans County. Because many of their parents are essential workers it meant grandparents with limited technological experience had difficulty helping students. Robinson said she spent time worrying about the safety and health of her students.
Pre-kindergarten teacher, Lisa Howard, said she became depressed and had mornings were it was hard for her to get out of bed. Howard said she had days where she was highly motivated and others where she had to distance herself. She said she also felt uncomfortable being in front of a web camera giving lessons.
When teachers and students go back to the classroom this fall they will have many new guidelines and rules to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Third-grader teacher, Kate Bala, said teachers should find creative ways to continue educating using techniques they enjoy and work well.
https://www.news10.com/news/n-y-elementary-school-teachers-talk-about-mental-health-struggles/
