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Former ER Doc's Book 'After The Mask' Guides Schools Post-COVID

Discover how schools can better support mental health post-COVID. Dr. Jenson's book offers innovative solutions for leaders and teachers alike.

In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a...
In this picture we can see the view of the classroom. In the front there are some girls, wearing a white t-shirt and holding the books in the hand. In the front bottom side there is a man and woman sitting on the chair and discussing something. In the background there is a yellow wall and glass window.

Former ER Doc's Book 'After The Mask' Guides Schools Post-COVID

Dr. Christopher Jenson, a former ER physician turned high school science teacher, has written a book titled 'After The Mask' to guide school leaders in navigating the post-COVID era. The book emphasizes the need for preventive mental health measures in schools, as the pandemic has exacerbated an already pressing issue.

Jenson, who spent nine years teaching at Blue Valley School District in Kansas, believes that schools are not inherently equipped to support mental health, relying heavily on a small number of counselors and social workers. He proposes implementing healthcare-inspired efficiency methods, such as an on-call system and algorithm-based technology, to improve education and mental health support.

Before the pandemic, 18% of high school students had contemplated suicide, according to the CDC. The pandemic has further increased mental health struggles among both students and teachers, leading to high attrition rates and exhaustion among staff. Jenson's book provides advice for school leaders on how to address these challenges. He suggests that teachers can ease student mental health struggles and improve their own well-being by cutting back on content and implementing emotional- and relationship-building exercises. His approach involves reframing lessons to prompt interest, passion, and critical thinking in students, while also providing a break for teachers.

Dr. Jenson, now running Diagnosing Education LLC, a school consulting service focusing on student and teacher mental health, believes that schools can and should do more to support mental health. His book offers practical guidance for school leaders on how to navigate the post-COVID era and improve mental health outcomes for both students and teachers.

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