When educators talk about their students mental health, they are often talking about the students’ emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Wrapped up in student mental health is the ability to manage stress, build normal relationships and meaningfully engage in learning activities. Mental health is more than the absence of illness, it is the presence of safety, belonging and emotional regulation. These things allow students to thrive. In a equity-centered classroom, every student received the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. In equity-centered classrooms, each child is given what they need to succeed. This means teachers respond to students by acknowledging historical and structural barriers based on race, ability, gender, language, and socioeconomic status. In an equity-centered classroom, teachers also want their students to be mentally healthy.
In today’s educational landscape, educators must be aware of the need for trauma-informed teaching, culturally responsive pedagogy, and mental health. Administrative officials must find ways to empower teachers to disrupt inequity by prioritizing mental health and well-being.
Breaking Down the Issue
Mental health can be seen as a prerequisite for learning. If students are not able to emotionally regulate themselves, they will find it difficult to learn. There learning difficulties may make it difficult for other students in the class learn. In some cases, it is also a matter of safety. When students are unable to emotionally regulate, they may engage in disruptive or harmful behavior. These things make it harder for students to learn. In an equity-centered classroom, teachers work to ensure all students get what they need to succeed. In cases where mental health is at issue, the teacher should talk with the school’s counseling services to ensure that students get the mental health support they need.
True equity includes emotional and psychological support that is specifically tailed to diverse student needs. Educators who understand mental health and the mental health needs of their students are better able to advocate for inclusive practices and policies. This means teachers are better able to educate their students. In turn, students will be better taken care of and receive an educational experience that meets their unique needs.
Making this Work in the Classroom
It is a good practice for educators to normalize emotional check-ins. Teachers can do this at the beginning of class for just a few moments. While this is being done, teachers can help students with self-regulation strategies. When doing this type of work teachers should use inclusive language. It is also important for teachers to use trauma-informed responses to student behavior. It doesn’t have to be a boring or stressful process. For example, during “Wellness Wednesday” teachers could invite students to reflect on their emotional state using color coding while journaling. Narrative activities using discussion prompts like, “How does feeling safe and seen impact y our ability to learn” can help students feel free to discuss their feeling and not feel stigmatized. Teachers could also integrate lesson from literature or history with mental health themes such as resilience, identity, and community care to show students these themes in places outside of their normal lives. This will help them understand that they are not alone n their mental health struggles.
Click here for a link to our Mental Health Fuels Equity Reflexive Tool for Empowered Educators
Conclusion
It is important for educators to understand and accept the fact that mental health is not a detour from equity work. Good mental health fuels equity work. It also makes it possible for students to learn. Educators should see themselves as more than teachers, they are also wellness architects and equity leaders. In the comment section below, share your classroom rituals that promote mental health and well-being. Download out Mental Health Fuels Equity Reflexive tool. Complete it and advise your peers to do the same, then discuss what you each discover.
Further Reading
The Best Educators Strive to Create Equity-Centered Classrooms
Unlock Your Doctoral Success: Coaching & Resources That Work
Unleash the Fire Within: Maya Angelou’s Lifegiving Wisdom for Educators
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About the Author
Dr. Janeane Davis is Founder and Principal Consultant at Janeane Davis and Associates: Educational Consultants. She celebrates educators as architects of possibility—designers of futures, keepers of story, and leaders of change. Her writing honors the beauty, brilliance, and bravery of teaching.
Joy in the margins. Gratitude in the lines. Always honoring.