NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WLUC) – Negaunee and Westwood High School teachers learned how to recognize and resolve when a student is experiencing emotional distress.
The course offered by Marquette Alger RESA lasted eight hours and included various activities to better prepare teachers. First Aid Instructor at MARESA Rachel Bloch said teachers have access to students during the day.
“That’s why we use a system called ALG. A is how you approach the youth. L is how you listen to the student without judgment? How do you give them encouragement and hope if they’re dealing with mental illness?,” said Bloch. “How do you encourage them to connect with professionals and how do you encourage them to have a self-care plan?”
Bloch said every student’s story is different and teachers can now prepare accordingly. Negaunee High School Principal Andrew Brunette said Friday’s training was important to keep students safe.
“A big part of our strength here at Negaunee High School is our staff. Just being able to give our staff more tools to help them better serve our students is obviously something we’re excited and excited to do,” said Brunette.
Brunette said Friday’s training is just one step toward a larger goal the school has for its students.
“Our main goal is to start a mental health first aid program for young people here at Negaunee High School. But before we started that the first step in the process was for all teaching staff to learn mental health first aid,” he said.
Bloch says Marquette Alger RESA is hosting a similar event Saturday for Northern Michigan University academics.
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