Congratulations to the following BCSD staff members on being selected to participate in the Mental Health Training Paraeducator Fellowship through the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health.
Samantha Farra - Bettendorf Middle School
Melissa Hart- Bettendorf Middle School
William Hodges- Grant Wood Elementary
Deb Oliveira - Neil Armstrong Elementary
The Scanlan Center received an overwhelming number of applications, highlighting the critical need for programs such as this in our state. We recognize that the work of paraeducators in our schools are a critical component of the health of our students, staff, and school communities, and we are honored to be able to invest in the development of our paraeducators.
BCSD selected the four paraeducators who will take part in the fellowship training. They will complete three in-person Imagine Iowa training blocks followed by enrollment in a digital platform for additional content/activities/coaching. Imagine Iowa is an evidence-informed curriculum designed to support educators and K-12 stakeholders in improving their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about mental health. This curriculum will provide the
opportunity to engage with topics such as mental health literacy, immediate crisis response,
and advocacy, which will create an atmosphere of inclusion and wellness in classrooms and
schools.