Navigating adolescence in the 21st century is more challenging than ever. With the rise of social media, artificial intelligence, and other modern pressures, young people are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent action. In response, Big Thought and Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) have partnered to expand the reach of PEAR’s Developmental Resilience Training, a research-backed certificate program designed to equip educators with the skills needed to support youth mental health and resilience.
Grounded in over 30 years of research from Harvard and McLean Hospital, Developmental Resilience offers an integrated approach to child and adolescent development. It focuses on how young people can grow through adversity, considering changes in motivation, behavior, and attitudes at various stages of development. Through this professional development certificate program, educators learn the tools and strategies of resilience, empowering youth to feel understood, more confident, and better prepared to manage life’s challenges. The goal is not for educators to take on the role of mental health providers, but to know how to support students effectively, especially during tough times.