Resources for Educators to Work Toward Support and Healing

The NAEA ED&I Commission believes in humanity and human rights for all. We acknowledge that many in our community are personally impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. While the Commission is committed to holding complex truths, we are deeply saddened by the violent attacks and are heartbroken for all those impacted during a time of great suffering, and who may be experiencing painful emotions. We are collectively committed to supporting interventions and policies that achieve peace and an end to violence and oppression. We send our solidarity to those affected by these events, especially art educators and students who may be worrying about loved ones, and to those grieving we send our sincere condolences. We recognize that educators and their students may find it challenging to navigate their learning spaces during a widespread crisis. We acknowledge that many of our young people are exposed to the conflict through disturbing visuals and disinformation. We elevate and uplift the need to support art educators with resources that allow for holding of space to process and make meaning of what they are seeing and hearing, as opportunities arise. 

The following resources are designed to offer information and support. Educators need to be keenly aware of the emotional effects of these events on students, caregivers, and entire communities and use any resource with care:

Common Sense Media: How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War

American Psychological Association: Resilience in Time of War (Elementary School Students)

American Psychological Association: Resilience in Time of War (Middle School Students)

American Psychological Association: Resilience in Time of War (Students in Adolescence)

National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About Violence

VeryWell Family: Talking to Your Kids About War

UNICEF Parenting: How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War

Learning for Justice: Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During Crises

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children About War

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen

NAEA Position Statement on Learners Who Have Experienced Trauma