Webinar: Supporting School Communities Through Grief and Loss

Grief and loss can deeply affect students, impacting their emotional, academic, and social well-being. This free, live virtual event on January 27, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST brings together key experts, leading professionals, and organizations committed to helping educators, school mental health professionals, and administrators build a robust support system for grieving students. The event, sponsored by the Coalition for Grieving Students and New York Life, offers valuable resources, tools, and strategies to help school communities address the complexities of grief and loss in schools.

Session Breakdown

1:05 – 2:00 pm EST: Grief Support in the Classroom

Explore the critical role classroom educators and support professionals play in providing support to grieving students.

Panelists:

  • Jim Arey, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • Crystal Foxx, National Education Association (NEA)
  • Amber Parker, National Education Association (NEA)

Moderated by: Tom Demaria, PhD

Grieving students may struggle with their emotions, making it difficult for them to engage with schoolwork and participate in class activities. This session will explore the essential role teachers, educators, and support professionals have in identifying grief-related issues and providing the emotional support that students need. Our panelists will share strategies for creating an environment that acknowledges grief and fosters healing, offering tips for managing classroom dynamics when students are grieving. Participants will also gain insights into how to build trust with students, helping them feel understood and supported as they navigate loss.

2:00 – 3:00 pm EST: The Role of Mental Health Professionals

This panel will explore the value of integrating school mental health professionals in the care of bereaved students.

Panelists:

  • Amanda Fitzgerald, American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
  • Lucy Heffelinger, National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
  • Emilie Ney, PhD, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
  • Rebecca Oliver, School Social Work Association (SSWAA)

Moderated by: Karen Rogers, PhD

Mental health professionals, such as school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses, play an integral role in supporting grieving students. This session will highlight the various ways these professionals can collaborate and provide trauma-informed care to students who are grieving. Panelists will discuss best practices for identifying students at risk, creating grief-specific interventions, and supporting students through both individual and group counseling. Additionally, they will explore how mental health professionals can work alongside teachers and administrators to create a unified, holistic approach to grief support across the school community.

3:10 – 4:00 pm EST: Leadership Support for Addressing Grief in Schools

Discuss the challenges and strategies for school administrators in building supportive environments.

Panelists:

  • Kayla Jackson, School Superintendents Association (AASA)
  • Anthony Salvatore, American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA)

Moderated by: David Schonfeld, MD

The leadership session will delve into the critical role administrators play in shaping the school's response to grief. School leaders are often the first to set the tone for how grief is addressed in the school community, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that both staff and students feel supported throughout the grieving process. The panel will discuss strategies for administrators to promote a culture of understanding and compassion while also addressing the logistical and organizational challenges grief presents. Topics will include creating clear policies, providing professional development for staff, and integrating grief support systems into school-wide practices. Anthony Salvatore and Kayla Jackson will also share real-world examples of how leadership can empower staff and strengthen school communities through times of loss.

Why Attend?

  • Gain practical strategies for supporting grieving students in the classroom, through mental health services, and at the leadership level.
  • Learn how to integrate grief support into the culture and daily operations of schools.
  • Receive resources and tools that can be immediately applied to improve student well-being.
  • Hear from professionals like Anthony Salvatore, Kayla Jackson, and David Schonfeld, offering actionable insights from both an administrative and educational perspective.

To register for the webinar or for more information, click here.

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