VIBORG, S.D. (KELO) — BeHEARD is Sanford’s online course to help school staff and teachers understand common behavioral health concerns in 10 to 17-year-old kids.
“The first part is a group of modules that are on the computer that learners can take self-paced. So they learn just the basics, the fundamentals on some common behavioral concerns sort of to introduce them to the reach out intervention and then the second part is a live virtual course that’s led by two instructors,” Sanford Director of Learning Development Rich Preussler said.
Another part of the course includes physical resources like activity books.
“Inside of that you’ll find age appropriate education on different mental health topics, intentional journal prompts, and then an opportunity to create or to participate in a coping strategy. So it’s an opportunity to practice a strategy that they can then learn practice in a time of need,” Sanford Program Development Lead Brittney Nathan said.
The Viborg-Hurley School District is one of the South Dakota districts taking part. Superintendent Brett Mellem made the course mandatory for all 40 plus members of his staff. Teachers and administrators took the course last fall.
“We feel that this training last school year has helped us to better identify the students coming in for this school year,” Mellem said. “What we need to look out for right away and what we can get on and on everybody’s radar.”
And teachers appreciate the information.
“After COVID, we noticed that our kids are dealing with a lot more, and especially with social media. When I was a kid, when I would go home from school, I didn’t have to worry about that,” Viborg teacher Carrie Severin said.
Sanford staff said their hope is that by providing these resources for teachers, adults will have a better approach to connecting with students to talk about mental health.
Once teachers or staff complete the course, they receive a certification that does not need to be renewed. A donation from First National Bank and Trust to create resources for educators helped pay for the program.
