Basic Teacher Training: 1,800 Professionals Empowered to Support Students’ Mental Health
The Basic Training Program for teachers, special education teachers, and special education support staff of the public sector continues its creative journey, now entering a new phase of implementation and development—a journey shared with teachers, school psychologists, social workers, special educators, and other valued professionals in the school community. After revisions, enhancements, and additions, the program is now fully developed and ready to be delivered to the Greek public education system.
Its structure includes:
- 15 hours of asynchronous training with videos from mental health professionals, guidelines, supportive tools, and case studies presented through animations.
- 18 hours of synchronous training featuring hands-on activities with an emphasis on linking theory and practice.
This comprehensive program addresses the real needs of educators, empowering them through an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Participant Feedback
Trainees expressed high satisfaction in their evaluations through open-ended questionnaire responses:
- “Excellent, detailed, and comprehensive material. It covers the full range of information I needed as I work with children and adolescents.”
- “Well-organized training, focused on the role of educators with practical examples.”
- “In navigating the complexities of mental health, I gained valuable tools for interacting with students.”
Training for School Psychologists and Social Workers
Last school year, particular emphasis was placed on training psychologists and social workers in public primary and secondary schools. Feedback was very positive, as they acquired a shared “language” with participating educators—the language of our program aimed at destigmatizing mental health. At the end of each session, discussions were held on program quality, educational materials, the training process, and their future role as trainers and program ambassadors. Mental health professionals in the school community embraced the Initiative and the “Child & Adolescent Mental Health Literacy” training program, recognizing its value and expressing willingness to actively contribute to its continuation.
Next Steps
After training 1,800 teachers, special education teachers, and support staff, the program is entering a new phase. In the 2025–2026 school year, it will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aiming for stable integration into educational practice. This new period represents not only the continuation but also the expansion of the Basic Training program’s impact: more schools, more education and mental health professionals, and greater effects on the early identification and support of children’s and adolescents’ mental health challenges.