The Oregon wildfires reminded us that the best thing we can do to stay grounded and hopeful is to help others.

COVID-19. Protests. Lack of financial and job security. Election year. Isolation from friends. We are navigating an unimaginable time right now. As schools transition back in the fall, students and staff will be processing a collective trauma. Caring conversations will help.

It can be hard to return to school on a normal year, and this year is far from normal. Understandably, this makes transitioning back to school more challenging. Here are 5 tips to help ease the back-to-school shift.

The best part of summer is the break from our usual responsibilities. That means the worst part of summer ending is frantically trying to get “back in the swing of things.” Routines can reduce the stress that comes with transitioning back to school.

As an educator, there are many things outside of your control while you provide distance learning access for all students. However, what you can control is the equitable environment you create within your classroom.

With the unique situations that returning to school during a global health pandemic brings, practicing mindfulness can help to create intentional environments for both you and your students, which can help alleviate some of the stress.

“This generation of young people is the most engaged, righteous, compassionate group of folks I’ve ever known. Y’all are doing the work every day to make yourselves a world better than the one we’re handing you.”

Christine Buckson is a former marine, an aunt, and one of the incredible women recognized in the 2020 Inspiring Women project presented by WACY, the Women’s Advisory Council for Women.

All students deserve to feel safe at school. Research shows LGBTQIA+ youth who are shown acceptance and allyship have higher self-esteem and are more protected against depression, substance use, and unprotected sex. Educators can help.

Think about an adult who was important to you when you were a teenager. A teacher? A youth group counselor? A cool aunt? Odds are, you can think of at least one adult who has made a difference in your life. What is it about them that makes them so memorable? Was it the way they talked to you? The way they made you feel?

How many times have you heard one of these? (Or said one of them?)

“You’re so smart for a 15-year-old.”

“You think this is hard? Wait until you’re older!”

“Would you grow up?”

Social media isn’t the only online tool for youth to stay connected.

We know the potential risks that social media plays in our young people’s lives. As parents and educators, many of our conversations with young people revolve around cyberbullying, hacking, online drama, and staying safe.

While COVID-19 requires all of us stay 6+ feet apart and at home, staying connected requires just a few swipes and clicks.

Young people use social media to stay in contact with friends, peers, and dating partners. And while parents may feel pressure to heavily regulate and monitor screen time, we need to remember that social media is helping youth stay connected to the people who are important to them.

Teachers and youth-serving professionals are in the middle of striking a balance between being supportive to the people in your life, while also owning that you equally need extra support. Being vulnerable while collectively grieving can help.