The Teens Are Not Alright
School and Classroom Practices to Support Student Well-Being
In this thought-provoking resource for middle and high school educators, Cathy Vatterott explores the growing epidemic of teen stress. She discusses how schools can shift from a traditional approach, in which achievement at all costs is the goal, to one that balances academics with wellness and prioritizes adolescents’ social, emotional, and physical needs.
The Teens Are Not Alright examines
- The social and cultural factors that contribute to teen stress;
- The shifts in practice needed to create less stressful schools and classrooms and support student well-being;
- How teachers can create the optimal classroom environment by building positive relationships and incorporating student autonomy into norms and routines, learning, and assessment; and
- How schools can develop a comprehensive mental health support system that helps children grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults.
With practical tips and insights drawn from the author’s experience working with students, teachers, and administrators, readers will come away prepared and inspired to meet their adolescent students’ needs and make school a safer place for them to learn and grow.
