Unlocking Potential: How Student Mental Health Affects Academic Achievement

Students are struggling like never before. Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges are making it harder for them to focus, engage, and succeed in school. Educators are seeing the impact daily: more disruptions, more missed class time, and declining academic performance. But here’s the good news: Schools that take a proactive approach to student mental health … Read more

Five Strategies to Reduce Learning Loss due to Disruptive Student Behavior

Picture this: you’re an elementary-aged student learning about sentence structure. Today’s lesson is on compound and complex sentences, but staying focused feels impossible. Behind you, a group of classmates is whispering, laughing, and tossing items back and forth.  Not only do these disruptions make it difficult to hear your lecture, but they also make your … Read more

Stop Putting Out Fires: A Proactive Approach to K-12 Crisis Planning

Every day, schools face unpredictable challenges that can threaten the safety and well-being of students and staff. The risks are real, from natural disasters to security threats, and the consequences of being unprepared can be devastating. Proactive crisis planning is not just a precaution; it is a necessity.  Without a comprehensive plan, schools risk being … Read more

The Critical Role of Universal Screeners in the MTSS Framework

Every student deserves the chance to thrive—but ensuring that happens isn’t easy. As an educational leader, you juggle countless challenges to provide equitable support for all students. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), paired with early identification and intervention, can help schools cut through the complexity and give students the academic, social, and behavioral support … Read more

Building Foundations for Success: Practical Strategies for Tier 1 Mental Well-Being in Schools

Smiling schoolboy writing on a class at elementary school

Without a solid emotional support foundation for all students, schools often face more disruptions, declining academic performance, and higher teacher burnout.  This is especially true in Title 1 schools, where students may already be dealing with additional stressors like trauma and food insecurity. Failing to address mental health can intensify these challenges, making it even … Read more

The Ripple Effect of Caregiver Engagement: Transforming Behavior, Academics, and School Communities

What if a critical element to improve student behavior and boost academic success isn’t in the classroom? Many educators and school administrators face a recurring challenge: behavioral interventions and academic strategies often fall short of their full potential due to a lack of continuity between school and home. While schools provide structured environments and individualized … Read more

From Burnout to Balance: 9 Strategies to Retain Special Education Teachers in Challenging Times

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 86% of public schools reported difficulties hiring teachers, and 83% faced challenges hiring non-teaching staff, such as classroom aides and mental health professionals, for the 2023-24 school year. The challenge to retain exceptional educators—especially in special education—has never been more pressing. We know how difficult it … Read more

From Strain to Strength: Cultivating Mental Wellness During Teacher Appreciation Week

Bridge the gap between gratitude and action with eLuma’s best practices for maintaining mental well-being. As we gear up for Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what genuine appreciation looks like for educators. Sure, saying “thank you” is nice, but let’s be honest, with everything on our educator’s plates, it’s not enough. … Read more