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ABOUT THIS RESOURCE Leading and supervising people draws on many skills, including the ability to make wise, critical decisions which can empower individuals, shed light on outdated policies, improve workplace culture and facilitate societal change. We may have to think on our feet and choose what seems best when deadlines are looming, but is it also possible to make quick and crucial choices which come from a solid sense of awareness and confidence? How do we take care of our mental health while both on and off the job? Wisdom To Know The Difference views our decision-making processes through a trauma-informed lens, inviting us to view our own personal history and psycho-neuro patterns, revealing new paths to problem solving to build an even more dependable foundation of clarity and heart as they relate to mental health resiliency.  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Slides Nothing's for Nothing: Transformation through Trauma by S. Rebekah Demirel  In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté, MD The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté, MD Film by Gabor Maté, Wisdom of Trauma The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD Alternate Nostril Breathing Pranayama   FACILITATOR Rebekah Demirel, R.Ac., L.Ac., MPCC Rebekah Demirel is the founder of Trauma Integration Programs, providing training and support to social services personnel, medical and education professionals, emergency services teams and corporate organizations for more than twenty years. Her background includes fourteen years as a BC Ambulance paramedic, twenty-two years as a paramedic trainer and over two decades as a registered clinical counsellor, specializing in post-traumatic stress and loss. She is a licensed East Asian medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, generating another depth of understanding to her counselling work. Rebekah’s unique skill set and experience is informed by her own traumatic childhood and teen years spent on the street and in the foster care system, giving her a special familiarity and empathy for trauma and loss. Rebekah continues to be an active volunteer and advocate for people who are unhoused, in her community and beyond.    Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

The July issue of our newsletter observes Disability Pride Month and Minority Mental Health Awareness Month / BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, features our new product & training resources, ATTC network events and other resources. 

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Rebekah Demirel joins us to discuss decision-making through a trauma-informed lens, as well as how we can carry this resilience into our practice as mental health professionals. GUEST Rebekah Demirel, R.Ac., L.Ac., MPCC Rebekah Demirel is the founder of Trauma Integration Programs, providing training and support to social services personnel, medical and education professionals, emergency services teams and corporate organizations for more than twenty years. Her background includes fourteen years as a BC Ambulance paramedic, twenty-two years as a paramedic trainer and over two decades as a registered clinical counsellor, specializing in post-traumatic stress and loss. She is a licensed East Asian medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, generating another depth of understanding to her counselling work. Rebekah’s unique skill set and experience is informed by her own traumatic childhood and teen years spent on the street and in the foster care system, giving her a special familiarity and empathy for trauma and loss. Rebekah continues to be an active volunteer and advocate for people who are unhoused, in her community and beyond.     HOST Christina N. Clayton, LICSW, SUDP, Northwest MHTTC Co-Director Christina Clayton has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97).  Learn more about MHTTC Staff & Faculty   LEARN MORE Webinar recording, slides, & resources: "Trauma-Informed Decision-Making for Mental Health Professionals" PODCAST SERIES Discover other episodes in the Putting It Together series here. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE We speak with Dr. Lonnie Nelson about de-escalation in clinical settings using principles of rapid rapport building. GUEST Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Partnerships for Native Health, Eastern band Cherokee (AniKituwah)  Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center. In 2012, he returned to the field of Native health disparities through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Career Development Award (K12) at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Dr. Nelson joined the Washington State University College of Nursing in 2015. His work aims to address health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities through multiple avenues. His current research interests focus on the elimination of health disparities in urban dwelling and other Native populations through the application of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions and other patient centered approaches to changing health behaviors, such as indigenized motivational interviewing and harm reduction treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys making and using traditional Native archery gear and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia.   HOST Christina N. Clayton, LICSW, SUDP, Northwest MHTTC Co-Director Christina Clayton has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97). Learn more about MHTTC Staff & Faculty   LEARN MORE Webinar recording, slides, & resources: "De-escalation: How to Approach Volatile Behavior in a Clinical Setting" PODCAST SERIES Discover other episodes in the Putting It Together series here. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

Violencia por Razón de Género: Salud Mental y Respuestas Culturalmente Centradas Descripción: La violencia por razón de género es aquella violencia que resulta de la desigualdad entre los géneros (femenino y masculino). Los estudios sociológicos y psicológicos describen cómo la construcción de género en muchos lugares incluyendo Latinoamérica se da de tal manera que resulta en un desbalance de poder donde los hombres (asociado a lo masculino) suelen tener mayor poder (económico, político y social). Esta estructura de desbalance de poder a la vez facilita que se lleve a cabo y se continúe llevando a cabo actos de violencia hacia las mujeres. Entre las manifestaciones de la violencia por razón de género se encuentra la violencia sexual, violencia en la relación de pareja, hostigamiento y acoso laboral y el feminicidio; es decir, el asesinato de una mujer por ser mujer. Las repercusiones al nivel psicológico son múltiples e incluyen síntomas que forman parte del diagnóstico de Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático. Estos síntomas pueden afectar el funcionamiento de la mujer y con psicoterapia pueden disminuir. Este diálogo incluye una descripción de lo que es la violencia por razón de género sus manifestaciones y posible secuela. Además, incluye elementos culturales que ayudan a entender las dinámicas de poder, la construcción de género y la manifestación y normalización de la violencia por razón de género. El diálogo incluye algunas ideas culturalmente centradas para la atención y prevención del desbalance de poder y la violencia por razón de género. Participantes: Telma García - Promotora y Directora de Prevención VIH de East Los Angeles Women's Center Mónica Ulibarri, PhD- Psicóloga Profesora de Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology Darice Orobitg, PhD- Psicóloga, Consultora, National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC   Descargar materiales didácticos : Aquí   Descargar vídeo: Aquí 

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The July 2023 issue honors National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) by sharing events and resources on these topics. This issue also features newly released episodes from the Checking-In Podcast that focus on PTSD treatment providers' self-care and a new HealtheKnowledge course developed by the Great Lakes ATTC: NIATx Change Leader Academy: Rapid-Cycle Change for Teams.    As always, you will find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!  

  The Technology Transfer Centers: Dissemination and Implementation Working Group, composed of representatives across the ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC, developed two infographics for the most common intensive technical assistance strategies used to help states, organizations, and front-line providers implement evidence-based services. The three strategies are: Learning Collaboratives External Facilitation NIATx Organizational Change Model These are three of many technical assistance strategies offered and deployed across the TTC Network. Additional infographics simply describing other strategies for consumers are in the planning stages. User-friendly infographics are expected to assist decision-makers in making more informed selections about the kinds of assistance or support they need. Access the infographics by selecting between the three options.

Stories from the River (SFR) is an ongoing series aimed at building skills for Motivational Interviewing (MI) practitioners working in tribal communities in Oregon. This series meets every other Thursday at 10:00 AM pacific standard time and 12:00 PM central standard time. This event took place on June 22, 2023.  Join the National American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Technology Transfer Center's (MHTTC) Motivational Interviewing implementation and training team for one-hour MI sessions on select topics: Spirit of MI, OARS, Change/Sustain Talk, Caring for the Caretaker, and others. Stories from the River maintains three objectives: 1) Continue building a tribal MI community in Oregon 2) Provide a virtual space for MI practitioners to build skills 3) Introduce MI practitioners in Oregon to the broader MI community

Join us for Wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit. This event took place on June 27, 2023. Click HERE to access the event recording. 

About this Resource: Given their shared lived experiences, Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) are crucial in offering mutually beneficial support to peers who are recovering from psychiatric and/or substance use disorders. This infographic accompanies the on-demand recording by Dr. Monty Burks on faith, spirituality, and peer support. It discusses stigma as a barrier to treatment and care, the relevance of faith and spirituality in recovery, and the crucial role of peer support in promoting lifelong recovery.

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Marco Torrez-Miranda shares his insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods he uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Marco Torrez-Miranda, MSSW, LCSW Marco Torrez-Miranda is a licensed psychotherapist and substance use disorder specialist in the state of Wisconsin. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently a doctoral candidate focused on social justice and equity in higher education at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Marco’s personal and professional experience has centered around being and working with minoritized individuals and communities. He has developed interventions and programming to increase access, engagement, and healing from racialized trauma. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the behavioral health field as a clinician, clinical supervisor, mentor, consultant, director, and faculty. Most recently, Marco serves as the Equity & Inclusion Faculty Director for the newly established Institute for Equity & Transformational Change (IETC) for Madison College. The IETC promotes, studies, and implements inclusive excellence and anti-racist practices to create an affirming learning community. Please Note: The views expressed herein are those of Mr. Torrez-Miranda and do not necessarily reflect the views of Madison College. Connect with Marco on LinkedIn to learn more about him and all the great work he's doing!   You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Linda Bartoli shares her insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods she uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Linda Bartoli, LCSW Linda Bartoli is the founding director of Pivot Collaborative (Chicago, IL) and has worked as a trauma-informed therapist for 20 years. Linda has built a diverse group practice of passionate, inclusive, and curious care providers—people who like to challenge and support clients and organizations through times of change and who are queer or queer allied. As a queer therapist herself, she prioritizes inclusivity in her practice and focuses on helping others with issues related to life changes, race, gender, identity, adoption, loss, grief, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Her therapeutic style is best described as interactive, direct, mindful, and attuned. Linda also has advanced training in conflict management and group facilitation, as well as advanced certifications in trauma-informed work. Additionally, she is a qualified leadership coach and has a diploma in Organizational Development and Executive Coaching, which she received in London. Learn more about Linda's work at Pivot Collaborative!   You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Leonna Jackson shares her insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods she uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Leonna Jackson, MSW, LISW, LICDC Leonna Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker and trauma-informed therapist who is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Leonna has extensive experience working with adults, children, and couples, and clients describe her therapeutic style as personable and nonjudgmental. She currently practices at The Heart's Haven Counseling in Toledo, OH, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, marriage therapy, and substance use disorders. Leonna is dedicated to always providing client-centered care, and she and the rest of the amazing team of therapists working at The Heart's Haven are ready and willing to help clients navigate through the process of healing. Learn more about Leonna's work at The Heart's Haven Counseling!   You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Worsham El shares her insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods she uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Leonna Jackson, MSW, LISW, LICDC Worsham El is a licensed clinical social worker, a certified family trauma professional, and a certified trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator. As the CEO and co-founder of Lotus Trauma Care, she is committed to enhancing the resiliency of youth, adults, families, and professionals. Worsham El's gratitude for her large family fuels her passion to promote safe and strong social support systems for youth and communities. Her experience in the fields of child welfare, substance use, and domestic violence ignites her fire to empower professionals, families, and communities. In practice, Worsham El provides innovative trauma therapy and consulting services, and she has trained over 2,500 professionals in trauma-informed care. Populations Most Served: Victims of domestic violence, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, neglect, and people with substance use disorders. Specializations/Expertise: PTSD, complex trauma, developmental trauma, historical trauma, traumatic loss, grief, youth/adolescent therapy, family therapy, parent/caregiver consulting, trauma-informed care, program/curriculum development.   Learn more about Worsham's work at Lotus Trauma Care, including the ⁠training & consultation services⁠ and ⁠trauma yoga classes⁠ they have to offer. More information about trauma-sensitive yoga:     You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Gabriela Zapata-Alma shares her insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods she uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC Gabriela Zapata-Alma is the Associate Director at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, as well as a lecturer at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She is a 2012 graduate of SSA (now Crown Family School) in the Extended Evening Program. Gabriela brings 15 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence and other trauma; providing direct services, training, advocacy, and consultation; and leading programs using a trauma-informed approach, Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, gender-responsive care, Housing First, and third wave behavioral interventions. Gabriela has been recognized with numerous awards, including Health & Medicine Policy Research Group’s 2018 Health Award, and the Illinois Association of Addiction Professionals chapter of NADAAC’s 2017 Rising Star Award. Gabriela has provided training and technical assistance related to serving marginalized communities impacted by trauma and other social determinants of health, locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more about the work being done through the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health.     You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, the Great Lakes MHTTC has released new episodes of the Checking In Podcast in which we asked PTSD treatment providers to describe the different ways they "check in" with themselves and recognize when they need to engage in stress relieving techniques to protect against vicarious trauma. In this episode, Joseph Winford shares his insights on the importance of self-care and the various activities and methods he uses to maintain good health and reduce compassion fatigue.      About Our Guest Joseph Winford, MS, CADC, EMT, QHEIC Joseph Winford is CEO of T.I.T.U.S. Concepts (Training Innovatively Through Unique Strategies),a leadership strategist, and a trauma-informed care provider with more than 25 years of experience working in the greater Chicago area. He holds a master's degree in management and leadership; a bachelor’s in business management and information systems, and he is a certified counselor, coach, consultant, and domestic violence counseling educator. His unique blend of expertise as a behavioral healthcare professional and leadership educator gives him an innovative approach to developing peoples’ potential into performance. Joseph is also the founder of the Couples Community project. Couples Community facilitates skill-based workshops designed to provide an educational and supportive environment for couples seeking change with the aim of enhancing relationships and helping couples grow as they continue along their journey of life together. Connect with and learn more about T.I.T.U.S. Concepts on Facebook!     You can find this episode and many more from the Great Lakes Wave podcast channel on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major podcast platforms!   

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE Dr. Nelson will provide a discussion of the effects of trauma on the perception of common clinical and legal settings and practices, as well as how to make these environments and processes feel safer and more welcoming to individuals with a history of trauma. Offered in collaboration with Dr. Lonnie Nelson, Partnerships for Native Health, WSU. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Slides Cultural trauma as a fundamental cause of health disparities. Authors: Andrew M. Subica, Bruce G. Link. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114574 Practical Guide for Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach from SAMHSA SAMHSA's Office of Behavioral Health Equity Trauma-informed Organizational Toolkit from SAMHSA  National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) Based on Tip 57 Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services Tribal Sovereignty and the Indian Health Care System Webinar Series   FACILITATOR Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Partnerships for Native Health, Eastern band Cherokee (AniKituwah)  Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center. In 2012, he returned to the field of Native health disparities through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Career Development Award (K12) at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Dr. Nelson joined the Washington State University College of Nursing in 2015. His work aims to address health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities through multiple avenues. His current research interests focus on the elimination of health disparities in urban dwelling and other Native populations through the application of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions and other patient centered approaches to changing health behaviors, such as indigenized motivational interviewing and harm reduction treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys making and using traditional Native archery gear and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia.   Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

The UW SMART Center Speaker Series brought esteemed scholars virtually to elevate our understanding of issues related to school mental health and critical topics in education. This year's speaker series on Equity-Centered MTSS and Implications for School Mental Health was a success, leaving participants inspired and eager for more. The event showcased a diverse range of experts, engaging discussions, and practical insights into implementing equitable MTSS in educational settings. "More of it! This presentation was FANTASTIC!!!" "Loved the whole series of Equitable MTSS. Would love more next year!" "I liked how it was thoughtful and balanced, not only supporting students but also supporting staff in doing important work. I liked the emphasis on collecting data to inform decisions and cultural wisdom or sensitivity." "Thank you for this. I am in my studies to be a school counselor and this has given perspective!" "Great reminders to utilize data through an equity lens, and to remember that behind the data is a student"   The school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC co-sponsored the UW SMART Center's 2023 Virtual Speaker Series. Full Series details can be accessed here. Learn more about the UW SMART Center here.   Want more information and school mental health resources? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

About this Resource:  This 4-part series looks at mental health respite care from the peer perspective, including discussions on its history and future direction, when and how it is being used (both in the Southeast and nationally), and the ways it can benefit one's recovery journey. In Part 2 of our series presenters discussed how the peer support/respite model is not new but builds on models as recent as the early 20th century self-help groups. Different respite models and their unique benefits and challenges are explored.   Click here to learn more about the 4-part series or view on-demand recordings from our other sessions. 

The New England MHTTC is one of 10 regional Centers funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Our mission is to support the dissemination of evidence-based mental health practices across Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 1, which includes the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Our team is led by the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, in partnership with the Harvard Department of Psychiatry, and C4 Innovations. Our activities are guided by a robust advisory team consisting of people with lived experience, direct care practitioners, family advocates, and organizational and state leaders. Collectively, these partnerships support our efforts to address mental health priorities across the lifespan in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.   This report describes our work in Year 4 from August 15, 2021 thru August 14, 2022

In today's diverse and evolving world, understanding and addressing the needs of all students, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ), is essential. Despite strides toward equality and acceptance, many LGBTQ youth face unique challenges in school settings. These challenges can include stigmatization, peer rejection, and violence. The 2019 National School Climate Survey by GLSEN found that nearly 70% of LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment at school because of their sexual orientation and over half because of their gender expression. Educators, parents, and advocates have the opportunity to create a supportive, inclusive, and affirming environment for LGBTQ students to support their well-being, confidence, and academic success. Because of the many challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, many rely on their schools to be safe and affirming places. LGBTQ students who are supported at home or at school, and those whose gender identities are affirmed and respected, have significantly lower rates of mental health symptoms and suicide. Inclusive policies and practices designed to support our LGBTQ students enrich our school culture, and foster empathy, understanding, and respect among all our students.   This product is part of the Mental Health Matters Lead with Equity series. Check out other products in this series:   Equitable School Practices to Support Youth Mental Health   Supporting Diverse Educators

By actively promoting and supporting diverse educators, we can create inclusive learning environments where all students, regardless of their background, feel seen, understood, and represented. School communities are enriched and strengthened when all educators can bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural competencies to the classroom. In addition to encouraging representation and inclusivity, supportingdiverse educators also plays apivotal role in addressing the mental health needs of our students. This is particularly important for students who experience identity-based marginalization, which can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, and victimization. When diverse teachers are supported, they help break down stereotypes and biases, and foster student empathy and understanding. This cultivates an inclusive and equitable school environment where all students are able to achieve academically and socially.   This product is part of the Mental Health Matters Lead with Equity series. Check out other products in this series:     Supporting LGBTQ Students in Schools   Equitable School Practices to Support Youth Mental Health

Amid competing priorities, staff shortages, and tense environments, teachers have less time to prepare lessons, collaborate with colleagues, and assess student work than ever. With little balance between time spent with students and preparatory activities, teachers have relatively limited time to engage in the work key to successful teaching. This lopsided distribution of time places extraordinary pressure on our teachers. Insufficient time to complete tasks integral to successful teaching and other stressful conditions often lead to exhaustion. Use our "Awareness to Action" tips to inform school/workplace structures to combat burnout, reduce stress and fatigue, and put into place systems and policies that help these community stewards do the work that matters most.

Pride Month is a month long celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their communities. Here are a few ways you can support and affirm LGBT students in your classroom. And remember these activities and displays should be implemented in a way that respects the individual comfort and privacy of LGBTQ students, and seeks to create an inclusive and affirming environment for all students.