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Teachers do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to guiding our children through more than just academics. As students feel the strain of two years under pandemic conditions, the effects are becoming more evident.
Sharon Hoover, professor of child psychiatry at the University of Maryland, says child abuse and neglect increased during the pandemic.
School districts across the country are reporting they need more psychologists and counselors. The Hopeful Futures Campaign, a coalition of national mental health organizations, published a report that found most states are struggling with mental health support in schools. West Virginia is among the few states that require only one school psychologist for over 4,000 students.
That means mental health first aid training for teachers could be a valuable tool. It teaches the next step such as asking a student without pressuring or casting judgment and letting them know they are cared for and there is help.
Mountain State lawmakers and school boards should take a look at making such mental health resources available for teachers and students.