2024 MCEA Fall Conference

Today’s youth report increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a crisis in well-being. Youth need opportunities to identify and develop their strengths and fill their toolboxes with skills to handle life stressors. Research has indicated that youth who can name their strengths and values and affirm their positive characteristics have reduced stress levels and an increased positive outlook on life. They can aspire to growth and well-being with positive experiences to develop these skills for resilience. In this session, adults working with youth will learn how stress affects learning and the importance of connecting with students using positive characteristics. Participants will actively participate in activities that they can take and use to teach youth the skills needed to lessen the stressors in their lives and identify their innate strengths.