On this first Vodcast episode of the International Teacher Podcast, Dr. Hayley Watson, a clinical psychologist, discusses the importance of mental health education in schools and how to support students in developing mental health skills. She emphasizes the need for a whole-school approach, where mental health programs are implemented for all students, not just those who are struggling. Dr. Watson provides strategies for teachers to validate students' feelings, empower them to find solutions, and follow up with them after a difficult situation. She also introduces her book, 'Finding the Words,' which offers practical guidance and real-life dialogues to help teachers navigate challenging conversations with students.

In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Watson discusses the importance of guided conversations in empowering struggling students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have a template for conversations and the importance of practicing and stumbling along the way. Dr. Watson also addresses the pushback against social-emotional learning in schools and highlights the need for a cultural shift in how we approach mental health. She emphasizes the importance of providing resources for parents and creating a school environment that values mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and benefits of implementing social-emotional learning programs in international schools.

Dr. Watson is also the founder of the program called Open Parachute. https://openparachuteschools.com