Resource for teachers, counselors: ‘Tips’ cards on ADD/ADHD, bullying, child abuse, teen depression

Teachers and counselors face an overload of tasks – and information — as they gear up for the new school year. This free resource from American Public University System (APUS) can help: “Tips for Teachers” cards on key behavioral and student wellness issues.

“Our tips cards provide concise information on the challenges that teachers face every day in the classroom – challenges that keep students from succeeding,” says Craig Gilman, education markets manager for APUS, a distance learning institution that serves more than 50,000 students worldwide. APUS offers numerous graduate degrees in education, including instructional leadership, special education, and guidance and counseling.

Administrators and others nationwide have included the tips cards in training and professional development programs and for many other uses.

“The cards are an effective way to ensure teachers have the needed resources at their fingertips,” says Virginia Jones, data analyst at Halifax County, Va., public schools. “The cards provide thorough information, yet fit nicely into our information package. They are also kept at teachers’ desks for quick reference.”

‘Tips’ card topics

Gilman says the cards are another way the university helps new and veteran teachers be more effective in the classroom and support the total well-being of students.

“The free cards are also a token of our gratitude for all that today’s educators do,” says Gilman.

The cards address these issues:

• Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) – The card provides tips for recognizing students who may have ADD/ADHD. It also provides “best practices” for teaching students with the disorders and classroom accommodations to encourage better learning.
• Bullying intervention – Helps define bullying and recommends immediate intervention and follow-up strategies to support the victim. Ultimately, it helps modify the behavior of the student who is bullying, to help build a bully-free school environment.
• Recognizing child abuse and neglect – Highlights the major types of abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional maltreatment and neglect. It also describes behavioral and other changes that may indicate abuse.
• Teen depression and suicide – Summarizes the signs and symptoms of depression in teens and how it differs from adult depression. It also describes how to talk to teens who are depressed – and the dangers of untreated depression.

Training ideas

Administrators, counselors and teachers nationwide have found numerous uses for the cards:

• Classroom resource for teachers
• Professional training sessions provided by administrators and counselors
• “Welcome back” teacher packets for the new school year
• Resource for new teachers during initiation and site-based training and for
  substitutes who might not have formal training in these issues.
• Resource for parents who have children with ADD/ADHD or related concerns
• Resource for counselors and special education teachers, who incorporate
  their ideas into individual education plans or as a way to adjust teaching
  strategies to accommodate students’ needs.
• Resource to satisfy school district or state-mandated training requirements

How to request ‘Tips for Teachers’ cards

Administrators, counselors, teachers and others can visit our Tips for Teachers page to request cards or for more information regarding upcoming card topics. The 6-in. x 8-in. cards are laminated and can be tucked into many planning calendars.