Lesson Plan
Navigating Crises & Self-Care: Empowering Educators
Participants will be able to apply a protocol for responding to a student in crisis and develop a personal self-care plan to maintain their own well-being.
This lesson is crucial for educators to feel equipped and confident when supporting students experiencing a crisis, while also ensuring they have strategies to protect their own mental and emotional health, preventing burnout and promoting long-term effectiveness.
Audience
Professional Development for Educators
Time
120 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, group discussions, and guided planning activities.
Materials
Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck, Crisis Response Protocol Project, and My Self-Care Plan Journal
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Room
30 minutes
- Review the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Lesson Plan, Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck, Crisis Response Protocol Project, and My Self-Care Plan Journal.
* Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.
* Print copies of the Crisis Response Protocol Project and My Self-Care Plan Journal for each participant.
* Arrange seating to facilitate small group discussions.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Understanding Crisis
10 minutes
- Begin by asking participants to reflect on the word 'crisis' in an educational setting. What does it bring to mind?
* Briefly discuss their initial thoughts and introduce the session's objectives, highlighting the importance of both student support and educator well-being. (Refer to Slide 1-2 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 2
Assessing for Risk
20 minutes
- Present key indicators for assessing risk in students during a crisis. Discuss different types of crises (emotional, behavioral, safety-related).
* Lead a brief discussion on common signs and what to look for. (Refer to Slide 3-5 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 3
Crisis Scenario Simulation
30 minutes
- Divide participants into small groups.
* Provide each group with a realistic crisis scenario. Instruct them to work through the scenario using the concepts discussed in 'Assessing for Risk' and begin brainstorming initial responses.
* Introduce the Crisis Response Protocol Project and explain that they will use it to guide their response.
* Facilitate group sharing and debrief. (Refer to Slide 6-8 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 4
De-escalation and Safety Planning
20 minutes
- Discuss practical de-escalation techniques and strategies for creating a safety plan for students. Emphasize communication, empathy, and setting boundaries.
* Guide participants to refine their crisis scenarios with de-escalation tactics and initial safety planning. (Refer to Slide 9-11 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 5
The Importance of Educator Self-Care
15 minutes
- Transition to the topic of self-care. Discuss the emotional toll of working with students in crisis and the critical need for educator well-being to prevent burnout.
* Share statistics or relatable anecdotes about educator stress.
* Facilitate a brief group discussion on why self-care is often neglected and its impact. (Refer to Slide 12-14 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 6
Developing a Personal Self-Care Plan
20 minutes
- Introduce the My Self-Care Plan Journal.
* Guide participants through the journal prompts, encouraging them to develop a personalized self-care plan with actionable strategies.
* Provide quiet time for individual reflection and planning.
* Offer an opportunity for voluntary sharing of self-care strategies. (Refer to Slide 15-16 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
Step 7
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways from both crisis response and self-care.
* Encourage participants to commit to implementing their self-care plans and utilizing the crisis protocol.
* Provide information on school resources for crisis support and staff well-being. (Refer to Slide 17 of the Navigating Crises & Self-Care Slide Deck)
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Slide Deck
Welcome: Navigating Crises & Self-Care
Today's Journey:
- Understanding Student Crises
- Practical Response Strategies
- The Power of Self-Care for Educators
Our Goal: To equip you with tools to support students in crisis and protect your own well-being.
Welcome participants. Ask them to think about what 'crisis' means in a school context. Introduce the day's agenda and learning objectives.
What Does 'Crisis' Mean to You?
Share your initial thoughts and feelings.
- What situations come to mind?
- What are the immediate challenges you foresee?
Prompt a brief discussion: What emotions or challenges come to mind when you hear 'student crisis'?
Assessing for Risk: Understanding Student Crises
Why is it crucial to assess risk?
- Early intervention saves lives and promotes well-being.
- Different crises require different responses.
Types of Crises:
- Emotional: Severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
- Behavioral: Aggression, self-harm, severe disruption
- Safety-Related: Threats to self or others, abuse, neglect
Explain the importance of early identification and the different types of crises educators might encounter.
Key Indicators: What to Look For
Warning Signs Can Be:
- Verbal: Direct statements, indirect hints
- Behavioral: Sudden changes, isolation, risk-taking
- Academic: Sharp decline, refusal to participate
- Physical: Neglect, unexplained injuries, changes in appearance
Discuss key warning signs across different areas. Emphasize that these are indicators, not definitive diagnoses.
Your Role in Risk Assessment
As educators, you are often the first line of support.
- Observe: Notice changes in students.
- Listen: Pay attention to what students say and don't say.
- Document: Keep factual records of concerns.
- Report: Know your school's protocol for escalating concerns.
Reinforce that educators are not expected to be therapists, but alert and responsive adults.
Crisis Scenario Simulation: Practice Time!
Let's put knowledge into action.
- Work in small groups.
- Read your assigned scenario carefully.
- Discuss: What are the immediate risks? What information do you need?
- Begin brainstorming initial steps using the Crisis Response Protocol Project.
Introduce the idea of applying learned concepts to a real-world (simulated) scenario.
Scenario Discussion: Initial Response
In your groups, consider:
- What are the most urgent concerns in your scenario?
- Who would you involve first?
- What immediate actions would you take to ensure safety?
Guide participants to consider the initial steps of the crisis protocol.
Sharing Our Scenarios
Group Debrief:
- What challenges did your group face?
- What key risks did you identify?
- What initial steps did you plan?
Facilitate a brief debrief after group discussions.
De-escalation: Bringing Calm to Chaos
What is De-escalation?
- Strategies to reduce intensity of a crisis situation.
- Focus: Safety, respect, and clear communication.
Key Principles:
- Stay calm and centered.
- Listen actively and empathetically.
- Offer choices, not demands.
- Respect personal space.
Define de-escalation and its core principles.
De-escalation Techniques in Action
Practical Steps:
- Use a calm, neutral tone.
- Validate feelings: "I can see you're upset."
- Offer a safe space/break.
- Set clear, simple boundaries.
- Avoid arguing or debating.
Provide actionable techniques for de-escalation.
Safety Planning: Steps Forward
After De-escalation, What Next?
- Collaborate: Work with the student (if appropriate) to identify triggers and coping strategies.
- Involve Support: Connect with counselors, administrators, parents.
- Create a Plan: Document steps for ongoing support and crisis prevention.
Discuss how to develop a safety plan with the student and involve appropriate personnel.
The Unsung Heroes: Educator Self-Care
Why is self-care not a luxury, but a necessity?
- Working with students in crisis is emotionally demanding.
- Burnout is real: Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.
- You can't pour from an empty cup!
Transition to the importance of educator well-being. Acknowledge the emotional demands of the job.
The Impact of Neglecting Your Well-Being
When educators are depleted:
- Decreased patience and empathy.
- Increased stress and absenteeism.
- Reduced effectiveness in the classroom.
- Negative impact on personal life.
Discuss the impact of neglecting self-care on both educators and students.
Self-Care as Professional Practice
Prioritizing yourself benefits everyone:
- Enhanced resilience and coping skills.
- Greater capacity to support students.
- Improved job satisfaction and overall health.
- You model healthy habits for your students!
Reframe self-care as a professional responsibility.
Your Personal Blueprint: Developing a Self-Care Plan
Using your My Self-Care Plan Journal:
- Identify your personal stressors.
- Brainstorm strategies that genuinely rejuvenate you.
- Create actionable steps and set realistic goals.
- Remember: Small, consistent actions make a big difference!
Introduce the journal activity and guide participants through the process of creating a personal self-care plan.
Sharing & Committing to Your Plan
Take a moment to reflect.
- What is one self-care strategy you will commit to this week?
- How can you integrate self-care into your daily routine?
Voluntary Sharing
Encourage voluntary sharing and reflection.
Wrapping Up: Empowered & Resilient
Key Takeaways:
- You have tools to respond to student crises effectively.
- Your well-being is vital for sustainable teaching.
- Commit to your self-care!
Resources:
- [School Counselor Contact Info]
- [Employee Assistance Programs]
- [Mental Health Resources]
Summarize the key takeaways and provide information on resources.
Project Guide
Crisis Response Protocol Project
Objective: To develop a clear and actionable protocol for responding to a student in crisis, applying principles of risk assessment, de-escalation, and safety planning.
Scenario:
Your group has been provided with a specific student crisis scenario. Read it carefully and collaboratively develop a response plan using the following steps.
Project Steps:
Step 1: Understand the Scenario (10 minutes)
- Read your assigned crisis scenario carefully as a group.
- Identify the core problem(s) and potential immediate dangers.
- Discuss any missing information that would be helpful.
Step 2: Risk Assessment (15 minutes)
- Based on the scenario, identify specific risk factors present (e.g., verbal threats, behavioral changes, signs of neglect, emotional distress).
- What is the level of urgency? (Immediate, Moderate, Low)
- What are the potential short-term and long-term impacts on the student and school community?
Step 3: Initial Response & De-escalation Strategy (20 minutes)
- Outline the immediate actions you would take to ensure the safety of the student and others.
- Develop a de-escalation strategy for the situation. What would you say? What non-verbal cues would you use? How would you create a calm environment?
- Consider who needs to be informed immediately within the school (e.g., administration, school counselor).
Step 4: Safety Planning & Follow-Up (15 minutes)
- Beyond the immediate crisis, what steps would you take to create a short-term safety plan for the student?
- What resources (school-based or external) would you connect the student and/or family with?
- Outline a long-term follow-up plan. Who would monitor the student? How often? What are the goals for ongoing support?
Step 5: Reflection & Presentation (Optional - 10 minutes)
- Reflect on your group's process. What was easy? What was challenging?
- Prepare to briefly share your scenario and your proposed crisis response protocol with the larger group.
Journal
My Self-Care Plan Journal
Objective: To reflect on personal stressors and develop an actionable self-care plan to maintain well-being as an educator.
Part 1: Understanding My Stressors
Prompt 1: Identifying My Triggers
What are the main stressors in my professional and personal life that impact my well-being? Think about specific situations, tasks, or interactions that leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or anxious.
Prompt 2: Recognizing the Signs
How do I typically react when I am stressed or approaching burnout? What are the physical, emotional, and mental signs that tell me I need to prioritize self-care?
Part 2: Crafting My Self-Care Strategies
Prompt 3: What Refuels Me?
What activities, hobbies, or practices genuinely help me relax, recharge, and feel more like myself? Think about things you enjoy, that bring you peace, or that energize you.
Prompt 4: My Self-Care Toolbox
Based on what refuels you, list at least 3-5 specific, actionable self-care strategies you can implement. Be realistic and consider different categories (e.g., physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual).
Part 3: Committing to My Plan
Prompt 5: Making it Happen
Choose one or two self-care strategies from your toolbox that you will commit to practicing this week. How will you integrate them into your daily or weekly routine? Be specific about the time, place, and duration.
Prompt 6: My Accountability Partner (Optional)
Who can I share my self-care goals with for support or accountability? (e.g., colleague, friend, family member)
Prompt 7: A Personal Promise
Write a short promise to yourself about prioritizing your well-being as an educator. Why is this important for you and for your students?