Support Excellence in Teaching
Monique Muther, Middle School Clinical Counselor, is helping Parker Middle School students learn productive ways to manage and mitigate anxiety and stress.
Last spring, Parker’s professional development program supported Monique as she attended and deeply immersed herself in an Anxiety Treatment Interventions training. Through interactive lectures, small groups with other therapists, and in-depth discussions, she reinforced and grew her understanding of best practices for treating young people with anxiety.
Supporting students through breathing techniques and mindfulness
Monique selected this training because anxiety has become one of the most common issues that she observes while working with Parker students. Clinically speaking, anxiety can often be a stepping stone for other challenges like social issues or depression. So, staying on top best practices for treating young people with anxiety means that Monique can help students before further struggles develop.
One aspect of the training that she uses often in her office is an understanding of deep breathing and related techniques. She explains to students how deep breathing works physiologically to stave off anxiety and return their parasympathetic nervous system to a state of equilibrium. The easy-to-grasp explanations help students become more mindful of their bodies and their state of stress.
Clinically speaking, anxiety can often be a stepping stone for other challenges like social issues or depression. So, staying on top best practices for treating young people with anxiety means that Monique can help students before further struggles develop.
On a similar note, another aspect of the training that Monique brings to Parker students is a deeper practice in mindfulness. She guides students in how to recognize their stress levels, how their bodies are responding in the moment, and how to reduce stress levels in the moment and over time.
Expanding Parker’s student support programs
The Anxiety Treatment Interventions training helped Monique grow her skills and understanding when it comes to helping Parker students observe, understand, and work through stress and anxiety. She looks forward to expanding her abilities in other areas so she can better support the Middle School. On her list for future professional development experiences is studying ADHD strategies in the classroom.
Each year, Parker invests $340,000 in faculty professional development, which is funded through donations received on Day of Giving (held this year on November 29). When our community invests in faculty professional growth, they can cultivate their passions and curiosity. By providing teachers with the tools to thrive, our students thrive.
Monique’s Anxiety Intervention Training is just one of the educational experiences that Parker faculty have been able to complete recently thanks to our community’s generous support.
