Eligibility: Register for and attend the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit.

Intended Audience: Licensed K-12 Iowa educators and paraeducators

Training Dates: October 4-5 in conjunction with the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit. 

Course Description: Imagine Iowa: Building Partners in School Mental Health is an evidence-based program designed to support educators in improving their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about mental health. This curriculum will provide the opportunity to engage with topics such as mental health literacy, immediate crisis response, advocacy, and restorative practices; all of which will create an atmosphere of inclusion and wellness in classrooms and schools. In addition, educators will develop tools to have insight into their own mental health needs, as well as how to set up a personal self-care plan. Participants will begin to explore these topics in-person and be provided with the opportunity to engage in continual learning via digital platforms after in-person professional development, to become Partners in School Mental Health. Imagine Iowa is an essential tool for educators who want to support mental health in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Course Objectives: This comprehensive training will prepare participants to be effective partners in mental health within their school community. By the end of the training program, participants will be able to:

1. Define and discuss specific mental health issues, with an emphasis on using stigma-free language
2. Identify indicators and risk factors associated with a mental health crisis, and to respond appropriately
3. Utilize effective communication skills for discussing mental health in an equitable and approachable way
4. Develop a personal mental health plan to maintain consistent self-care while navigating mental health situations at school/work
5. Apply a trauma-informed approach to school mental health
6. Understand an educators’ role in advocating for mental health resources to improve school mental health

Course Requirements: Attend in-person training at the Iowa BEST (Behavioral, Equitable, Social-Emotional, Trauma-Informed Health in Schools) conference and enrolling in digital training component via CANVAS, University of Iowa’s e-learning management system. 

Course Materials: Materials for the course will be made available in-person (during the PD) and on CANVAS, University of Iowa’s e-learning management system. Instructions for accessing this course online will be provided to participants in person at Iowa BEST (Behavioral, Equitable, Social-Emotional, Trauma-Informed Health in Schools) conference and emailed to participants after the conference.

** Attention: If you wish to use this course for licensure renewal credit, make sure to check with your school district for approval prior to registering for the course.