World Mental Health Day: supporting student and teacher well-being
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on how we can better support mental well-being in education. We interviewed Junita Boy, teacher and department head at Ascend International School in Mumbai, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience advocating for student and teacher well-being.
Watch the recording to gain practical strategies you can apply in your school and read her actionable tips for supporting well-being, both for students and for staff.
Strategies and programs to support well-being
For students:
- Create ‘free spaces’ in classrooms
- Start a Peer Counselor Club to establish a culture amongst students where mental health can be discussed
- Start an Unmasked Club focused on creating awareness within schools around mental health issues
For staff:
- Provide mental health breaks on Fridays – tell stories, dance to music, and more to help prevent teacher burnout
- Establish open forums with school leadership to create a culture of transparency
- Start a Mental Health Committee made up of elected staff members who communicate needs and concerns to administration
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