Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Challenging Behavior in the Classroom

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 33.9% of students have had an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Heroic teachers are facing this challenge with virtually no training in mental health and behavioral principles. Administrators often find themselves in a difficult position, mentoring a distressed teacher who is struggling to support an anxious student.  It is optimal for administrators to be able to identify and suggest practical and effective interventions that enable students to develop competency and reduce inappropriate behavior. With these skills, schools may be able to avoid punitive measures or restrictive settings by supporting their teachers to respond in more effective ways. Through case studies, humorous stories, and common challenging situations, this workshop will translate clinical information into easy-to-implement strategies for reducing student anxiety and negative thinking, while increasing self-regulation skills. By empowering teachers with effective, clinically sound strategies, administrators can help build school and district capacity for this ever-increasing population of students.

Facilitator: Jessica Minahan, PhD, BCBA

Registration fee: $45 for SAI members, $90 for non-members. All participants are required to register.

Cancellation/refund policy: Registrants are responsible for full payment unless cancellation is received at least three business days in advance of the event. Email SAI or call 515-267-1115 to let us know if you're unable to attend.

Register for another virtual professional learning opportunity with Dr. Jessica Minahan on Feb. 12: Identifying Blindspots — Addressing Factors that Schools Overlook in Mitigating Student Anxiety and Enhancing Engagement.