In the fall of 2023, the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health launched a new mental health training fellowship for paraeducators.
A pioneering initiative, this fellowship program utilizes school mental health training co-developed by UI faculty members Gerta Bardhoshi, Martin Kivlighan, Kari Vogelgesang, and Jacob Priest. The training is designed to help educators enhance their mental health literacy (e.g., knowing the warning signs for suicide) so that they can connect students with appropriate resources.
These competencies are essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within classrooms and schools while also increasing educators’ confidence and ability to support students through challenging moments.
As of fall 2024, a total of two cohorts have participated in this program which has provided training for 141 paraeducators from 60 school districts in Iowa.
“Paraeducators play such a vital role in our schools, so I’m thrilled we can empower them through this innovative new mental health fellowship,” says Vogelgesang, University of Iowa College of Education clinical associate professor and director of professional development for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. “Paraeducators help nurture and support students; so, when they can develop skills that prepare them to empathetically broach mental health concerns and better understand how to respond to students struggling with trauma or crisis, the entire school community benefits.”
Paraeducators who are selected for this fellowship must attend three in-person training sessions and complete online digital courses to further learning and fulfill licensure requirements.
