Student Well-Being & Movement Video

Do Students Need Mental Health Supports? Or Are We Just Coddling Them?

By Peter DeWitt — September 26, 2022 5:29
Second grader Tiffinie Tillis works with dean of students Andrea Keck while visiting a sensory room at Quincy Elementary School, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in Topeka, Kan. The rooms are designed to relieve stresses faced by students as they return to classrooms amid the ongoing pandemic.

In this conversation with leadership coach Peter DeWitt, elementary school counselor Tommie Glover and SEL specialist Sydney Mitchell discuss what they believe COVID has taught us concerning the mental health needs of students. Glover and Mitchell explain how the pandemic revealed the prominent role that schools play in the social and emotional development of young people and what happens when that support is gone.

Peter DeWitt is a former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach. He is the founder of the Instructional Leadership Collective.

Video

Education Funding Video What's in Store for School Funding for 2026-27?
A new education tax credit, federal budget negotiations, and more are in store.
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Eric Lee for Education Week
Special Education Video Inside a Summer School Program for Special Education Students
Academic support offered between school years is especially important for students with learning differences.
1 min read
dipalermo esy illinois 12
Dominic Di Palermo for Education Week
School & District Management Video Two Principals, One Agenda: Keep Kids Safe From Immigration Action
Two principals talk to Education Week about how to work through the fear and chaos of ICE action.
1 min read
Early Childhood Video How Play Carts Can Transform Early Education
Play carts make it easy to follow Connecticut’s play-based learning mandate.
1 min read
Connecticut passed legislation requiring public preschools and kindergartens to provide play-based learning during the school day.
Connecticut passed legislation requiring public preschools and kindergartens to provide play-based learning during the school day.
Victor J. Blue for Education Week