MPY Presenter John Crocker, M.Ed., on engaging in professional development, coaching, and networking aimed at building capacity to develop a comprehensive school mental health system (CSMHS) in their community.
The school year is underway and staff are already fully immersed in the work of supporting students and families. Undoubtedly, the first day came and went populated by countless instances in which staff provided care in small and extraordinary ways, leaving an impression on students and families that they are in good hands this year. To all of you working tirelessly each day to improve the lives of those in your community, thank you; what you do everyday represents what I consider to be some of the most important work an individual can undertake.
As we embark on another school year, I’m thankful for the opportunities to secure resources, professional development, and innovative approaches to supporting students that are available through Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY). Among the offerings, we’re excited to launch the fourth year of the School Mental Health Leadership Institute (SMHLI), an experience co-led by the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy and the Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium (MASMHC) and supported by MPY. The SMHLI provides an opportunity for current and future SMH leaders to engage in professional development, coaching, and networking aimed at building capacity to develop a comprehensive school mental health system (CSMHS) in their community. Participants receive extensive resources and are engaged in activities and discussions that allow for reflection on best practices and implementation strategies for their local needs and context.
The SMHLI is driven in large part through our belief that a school’s or district’s ability to select and deploy interventions, identify students and monitor their growth, and leverage and support our school mental health staff is substantially improved when we develop the infrastructure and systems to support these efforts, including the essential component of clinical leadership and supervision. If you have any interest in applying for this experience, please consider learning more here.
As you settle into a new school year, I hope you will take advantage of the litany of opportunities available to grow professionally in order to be best prepared to meet the needs of students and families this year and beyond. Your work is essential, and our collaborative efforts each day matter. Thank you, and I wish you the absolute best for a meaningful and fulfilling 24-25 school year!
