Roles

Role clarification allows staff to do their part within the scope of their responsibilities and training.

Teachers are not expected to be grief counselors.
Be present and attentive to grieving students as they express their feelings.
Be prepared. During grief, it is hard to learn new information and to be able to communicate difficult news to students. Utilize resources and ask for support.
Connect with students by asking them how they are doing and checking in on them.
Make referrals for counseling. If you’re not sure if a student needs additional support, talk it through with the school counselor or social worker.
Be patient with students who have trouble focusing. Continue to provide routine and regular structures. Maintaining structures lets people know you are still there.
Recognize teachers are most likely grieving as well, but still find a way to be aware of their prime responsibility, which is to help the kids grieve while finding support for themselves.
Recognize that it can be distressing to be a support to students who are grieving or in distress. Staff need to normalize asking for help and to find ways to ensure their personal needs are met during this time.

Advocate for students by recommending school personnel create consistent procedures, communication and policies.
Participate in district and school response team planning and practices and help ensure students and staff are able to process/understand crises.
Provide interventions for students at risk and help to assess which students are in greater risk based on the crisis and circumstance.
Provide individual and group counseling.
Facilitate open communication between students and caring adults.
Support student-initiated programs or resources that contribute to wellness.
Partner with community resources.
Defuse critical incidents and provide a space to debrief.
Promote trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Recognize that it can be distressing to be a support to students who are grieving or in distress. Staff need to normalize asking for help and to find ways to ensure their personal needs are met during this time.