The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

Mental Health Awareness Month prompts us to engage with the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges facing our youth today. For those dedicated to education, this month represents more than an observance; it serves as a reminder that schools often stand at the forefront of recognizing and addressing mental health needs. 

In Wisconsin, educators are increasingly encountering the complexities of anxiety, stress, and trauma among students. These issues extend beyond academics, significantly impacting relationships, engagement, and long-term success. Fortunately, when equipped with the right tools and collaborative partnerships, schools can proactively address these challenges in thoughtful and compassionate ways.

Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 (CESA 10) plays a vital role in this endeavor. Serving the school districts across the Chippewa Valley, CESA 10 aids schools in constructing sustainable frameworks that bolster student well-being and cultivate healthier educational environments. 

In fact, CESA 10’s Mental Health Consultant service provides districts with master’s-level professionals to enhance mental health literacy, implement universal support strategies, and facilitate access to community resources. Building on this foundation, CESA 10 expanded its Trauma Research Awareness for Isolated and New Educators in Rural WI Project, known as the TRAIN-WI Project, through a newly awarded $799,595 State Violence Prevention Grant funded by the WI Office of Violence Prevention, part of a significant investment by Governor Tony Evers. During a recent visit to Chippewa Falls, Evers highlighted the critical nature of listening to educators and mental health professionals who engage with students daily and reaffirmed that prevention-focused efforts like those led by CESA 10 are essential in curbing violence by empowering young people to navigate life’s challenges in constructive and healthy ways. We’re proud to be leading the way with innovative strategies that are making an impact.

The TRAIN-WI Project addresses unprecedented rates of school violence and self-harm. Over the past six years, CESA 10 has been awarded three DOJ grants to implement this program statewide. The project utilizes the Neurosequential Model in Education© (NME) and subcontracts with the Neurosequential Network, led by world-renowned trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry. A central focus of this initiative is ensuring that adults are regulated first, equipping educators to identify signs of dysregulation and respond with empathy rather than viewing the behavior as a personal attack. By deepening the understanding of how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact brain development, we help schools create compassionate cultures that prioritize emotional regulation and school connectedness for staff and students.

This approach has led to improved staff response to student dysregulation and a reduced reliance on exclusionary discipline. Through a sustainable, local capacity-building model, we are using a train-the-trainer approach to embed trauma-informed expertise directly within Wisconsin districts, strengthening violence prevention and increasing student resilience statewide.

Since its inception, we have trained over 2,500 individuals in the “Introduction to NME” series across 278 school districts, representing 66% of Wisconsin’s public schools and all 12 state CESAs. Key outcomes of this work include certifying 238 NME Trainers and 12 NME Advanced Trainers to ensure local sustainability, hosting three statewide trauma conferences for over 700 participants, and supporting 68 districts in creating telehealth and regulation spaces. The $799,595 State Violence Prevention Grant allows us to expand advanced training to an additional 30 people and provide implementation support for up to 2,500 trained participants statewide.

This funding reinforces the profound understanding that mental health support is inextricably linked to safety, learning, and overall community wellness—each element foundational to the others. 

CESA 10’s vision to “Listen, Lead, and Serve” demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with districts to help them navigate the intricate landscape of mental health needs. By pooling our expertise across various districts, coordinating services, and removing barriers to access, CESA 10 ensures that all districts, regardless of size or location, can access high-quality, individualized mental health support.

As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize that tackling mental health issues is not a task for isolated programs. True progress arises from ongoing collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to prevention and care.

At CESA 10, we firmly believe that by strengthening mental health support for our students, we contribute to the resilience of families, schools, and communities throughout the Chippewa Valley and Wisconsin. The journey is ongoing, yet the momentum is palpable, and the impact resonates where it matters most, in the lives of our children.

– Sinz is administrator of Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10.