Educator Cafe: Recorded Sessions
Natural Helpers is a high school peer helping program based on the idea that within every school an informal “helping network” already exists. Students with personal problems naturally seek out other students and adults whom they trust. Natural Helpers taps and uses this helping network and provides training to students and adults who are already serving as helpers, providing them with skills to help others more effectively, as well as places to turn to when they’re not able to help. Natural Helpers are not professionally trained therapists or counselors; they are skilled helpers, identified through an anonymous school survey. Join us to learn how to develop a Natural Helpers program at your school, including the selection process, training, and a wealth of free resources.
Recorded March 2025
Looking to share resources and materials to support mental health in your school? Join our Educator Café with the Long Island Social Emotional Literacy Forum (LISELF) to learn how to collaborate with schools across New York State through their new Creating Well-Being Sharing Site. Learn how to access best practices from New York State Schools and Mental Health Organizations–and how to share your own! All New York State Public and Private Schools and Mental Health organizations working with New York State Schools are invited to submit their mental wellness initiatives for publication on the Sharing Site.
Recorded February 2025.
New Year’s Resolutions often focus on dieting and weight loss. Join Danielle Vallas, LMHC to discuss how to help you—and the students you work with—to challenge the notion of “New Year, New Me.” Help create a school culture that supports all types of bodies for both faculty/staff and students by developing best practices for discussing food and exercise, dieting myths, and eating disorders.
Recorded January 2025
Jennifer Fredricks, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Union College for an Educator Cafe on Mental Health and School Engagement. Dr. Fredricks will share insights from her research on student engagement, motivation, and educational interventions. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance for a discussion on best practices.
Join us for a conversation about how to support student-athlete mental health in schools. Let’s discuss the unique needs and stressors impacting our student athletes and how to promote positive mental health practices.
Join Dr. Melissa L. Rinaldi, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University at Albany to discuss the unique mental health needs of autistic students and other neurodivergent learners, emphasizing the importance of explicit instruction in coping and emotional regulation skills. Participants will learn about evidence-based strategies and practical techniques to support autistic students well-being in school settings. The Educator Cafe will be a combination of didactic instruction and a Q&A. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance.
