Refugee adolescents have experiences that affect their abilities to acculturate successfully into a new society. This study highlights how the transition into a new culture might affect adolescent refugees' abilities to form meaningful relationships. It was intended to be a catalyst for empowering this underserved population, to equip school…

This article focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and associated practical applications of the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) model. This model can help coaches simplify the way they teach athletes to use enhancing emotions, elude impairing emotions, sustain an optimal range of emotional functioning, and achieve elevated…

Work intensification has heightened and accelerated the need for Canadian school principals to manage their emotions. This case explores the emotional aspects of a contemporary principal's work in a large urban school and highlights effective coping strategies and approaches used to regulate her emotions. The teaching notes describe several…

In this case narrative, Peter, an experienced principal in a new school board and school, is struggling to keep up with the day-to-day challenges at his school and to achieve work--life balance. Challenges include: (a) small changes in the school can that demand some of his time; (b) daily unintended interruptions that are draining his time and…

Teachers interacting with stressed and traumatized children are susceptible to secondary traumatic stress. Unlike college coursework in other social service disciplines, a dearth of literature on this topic informs teacher preparation programs. Prevention and intervention strategies for educators are suggested in this article.

The isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing both physical and mental health concerns for children worldwide. When the pandemic is over, schools and kindergartens represent a crucial context that can play an important role in promoting young people's well-being. This paper presents a school re-entry program aimed at creating an arena…

Data from anonymous surveys reveal that about 15-20 percent of teenagers have engaged in self-injurious behavior, such as cutting. For many, these behaviors stem from their frantic efforts to relieve the painful and intense emotions state that often come with being a teenager. Although self-injury is not necessarily a suicide attempt, it puts a…

We hold this truth to be self-evident: Students on the autism spectrum need support with life literacy before they can reach for content literacy. This article provides educators with an understanding of the interplay between life and content literacy in the classroom, as well as strategies to maximize success for these diverse learners. Students…

This handbook was created to provide National Education Association (NEA) member educators with a research-based description of the impact of poverty on teaching and learning. It is important to understand poverty's impact on children's educational success, along with strategies for overcoming the impact of poverty on the brain and learning. The…

As the school year begins, staff at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) would like to offer all school personnel (including educators, administrators, counselors and support staff) the opportunity to use their many resources for schools! Their resources were created to highlight issues related to trauma, to explain how trauma can…

This paper offers facts which can help educators deal with children undergoing trauma. These include: (1) One out of every 4 children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event that can affect learning and/or behavior; (2) Trauma can impact school performance; (3) Trauma can impair learning; (4) Traumatized children may experience…

Reactions to the trauma of an earthquake are likely to show up in children's behavior at school, and teachers can play an important role in the recovery of their students. By better understanding students' reactions, teachers can be prepared to provide appropriate support within the school setting. By being informed about trauma, teachers and…

Children who sometimes enjoy teasing, and at other times are terribly upset, may be pleased to be noticed and approached at times. At other times they may be busy and therefore feel intruded upon. Children sometimes experience teasing and being teased as fun. It is a form of human interaction. Someone is reaching out socially! This is why some of…

This study examined the impact of terrorism on adolescents, who may be resolving developmental issues regarding their vulnerability to death. Approximately 4 months after the September 11th attacks, a survey was given to 973 Upper Midwest adolescents and teachers. Quantitative analyses indicated that adolescents (especially girls) were frightened…

This book, updated since initial publication in 1989, offers explanations, practical tips, and encouragement for teachers and families of preschool children facing the excitement--and stress--of separation. Topics discussed include ambivalence about separation and attachment, the comfort of routines, understanding the child perspective, supporting…