Published: 10/19/2020
In partnership with
NEA is a proud founding member of the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a unique collaboration of leading professional organizations representing public school educators as well as other school professionals who have come together to provide grieving students with the support and care of the school community. Its purpose is to create a set of industry-endorsed resources to empower school communities across America in their ongoing support of grieving students.
To support educators and students during these rapidly evolving times, we’ve gathered a list of grief and loss resources for self-care, wellness, and resiliency from the Coalition and some of its member organizations.
Resources
![photo of educator sitting in a circle with a diverse group of students](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2022-10/gettyimages-1184631379-1_0.jpg?itok=ry-p5yF3)
Recognizing Grief Awareness Day
Children’s Grief Awareness Day is held each year on the third Thursday in November. When educators equip all students with the skills to support a peer, they help create an environment that is beneficial for the entire school.
![school counselor](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2021-09/school_counselor.jpeg?itok=R3laMoMl)
Grief Support for Back to School
As students return back to school, there's an opportunity for educators to offer valuable support that can make a profound difference in grieving students’ lives academically, socially, and emotionally.
![A father and child wearing masks walk hand and hand down the street](https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/styles/640wide/public/2020-08/covid-communities-of-color-1067w-1024x667-1.jpg?itok=LCvqDU-T)
How to Address Grief Among Students of Color
When children of color grieve, their grief may be complicated by experiences of inequity in their families and communities.
Suggested Further Reading
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Guidelines for Supporting Grieving Students During a Pandemic
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
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Toolkit for Education Support Professionals: Supporting Grieving Students in the age of COVID-19 and Beyond
Our House Grief Support Center
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Study of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trauma-Responsive Schools and Key Recommendations for Communities
Partnership for Resilience, Harvard Education Redesign Lab, and Illinois Education Association
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Books about Grief and Grieving
Valerie’s House
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Using Books to Support Students Through Grief, Loss and Healing
New York Life Foundation
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Resources and Trainings on Complicated Grief
The Columbia Center for Complicated Grief
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Considerations for Family and Other Personal Losses Due to Covid-19
American Psychiatric Association
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Support for Coping with the Loss of Your Loved One
American Psychological Association
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Support for Coping with the Death of a Coworker
American Psychological Association
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Report on Grieving Life and Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Psychological Association
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Support for Mourning Our Bygone Lives
American Psychological Association
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10 Steps Educators Can Take to Create a Supportive Environment For Students During the Pandemic
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
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5 Steps Educators Can Take to Create a Supportive, Grief Sensitive Environment for Students
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
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Tips for Talking to Grieving Students
New York Life Foundation
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Resources on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student and Educator Mental Health
Supporting our students’ and educators’ mental health with social emotional learning (SEL) helps the whole school community thrive.
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