Wyoming Educator Series

Rates of mental illness in our country are at an all-time high and are expected to increase with COVID-19 and subsequent cultural and life changes. In a survey by the mental health charity, Young Minds, which included 2,111 youth, 83% said the pandemic had made their mental health conditions worse. As Mental Health America states,”For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.”

The following webinars are available.  To register, click on the date of the session you would like to attend.

Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an evidence-based tool shown to reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety. This session is designed to introduce the concept and practice to individuals who are unfamiliar with mindfulness. The session will provide a brief overview of benefits, discuss the impact of mindfulness on well-being, and teach participants a few short practices they can implement.
8/11/2020 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
8/12/2020 – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Educator Self-Care
Self-care has never been more important than in these unprecedented times. In addition to requiring teachers to move their classes online, COVID-19 has disrupted classroom communities, leaving educators isolated from their students and colleagues. This webinar will introduce, discuss, and practice various self-care strategies; strategies that may look different today than they did a few months ago.
8/13/2020 – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
8/17/2020 – 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Coping with Anxiety and Stress
There is an increased level of anxiety for many individuals right now. This may be especially true for educators who are moving to online learning and having to connect with students through a virtual platform. Many may have concerns for their students’ safety and wellbeing- increasing the risk of secondary trauma. This webinar will introduce basic coping skills for managing stress and anxiety using a trauma informed lens.
8/17/2020 10:30 am – 11:30 am
8/18/2020 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm