


Mrs. Travis
Liberty University, MFA Candidate, Graphic Design
Thesis Portfolio Site: Be Resilient
Mental Health Literacy In Middle School Classrooms

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among students has necessitated a critical examination of social-emotional learning (SEL) within educational settings. This research explores the integration of SEL programs to enhance students’ emotional intelligence and resilience, providing a comprehensive analysis of existing initiatives, particularly the MindUp Curriculum, Chicago’s Fenger High School, and TpT School Access. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews, focus groups, and quantitative surveys, the study assesses the impact of SEL on student engagement, empathy, and overall well-being. Findings indicate that effective SEL programs significantly improve students’ emotional regulation skills and foster a more supportive learning environment. However, challenges such as inconsistent training for educators, limited resources, and variability in program quality were identified as barriers to successful implementation. This study emphasizes the necessity for systematic frameworks to sustain SEL initiatives while dvocating for culturally relevant materials that reflect the diverse experiences of students. The research ultimately lays the groundwork for the development of practical resources designed to assist educators in implementing quality SEL programs, thereby promoting a holistic approach to student development that addresses both academic and emotional needs.
2025 Publication
Be Resilient:
Mental Health Literacy In Middle School Classrooms
(2025)
As a higher education educator deeply invested in the holistic development of students, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that social-emotional learning (SEL) can have on young people. In today’s rapidly changing world, where mental health challenges among children and adolescents are increasingly prevalent, it is becoming ever more apparent that traditional educational frameworks must evolve. The conventional focus on academic achievement often neglects the essential emotional and social competencies that students require to navigate the complexities of their lives. This raises a pressing research problem: how can schools effectively integrate SEL into their curricula to support both academic success and emotional well-being?

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Why do we need mental health literacy in middle school classrooms?
The emotional well-being of adolescents, particularly in middle school, demands urgent attention as rising suicide rates and post-pandemic mental health crises expose systemic gaps in education. Mental health literacy—teaching emotional regulation, coping skills, and social awareness—is critical during preadolescence, a period of profound emotional and social change. Without structured education, stigma persists, early intervention falters, and academic performance suffers, leaving students ill-equipped to navigate their emotional landscapes.
Success hinges on collaboration among stakeholders: students, who gain resilience through education; educators, trained to foster inclusive classrooms; parents, equipped to support open dialogue; administrators, who prioritize policy and funding; mental health professionals, expanding school partnerships; community organizations, amplifying local advocacy; and policymakers, mandating curriculum integration. Together, they form an ecosystem where mental health literacy becomes a shared responsibility.
Existing initiatives reveal both promise and pitfalls. Programs like the Hawn Foundation’s MindUp leverage neuroscience and mindfulness but face funding challenges. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers offer accessible resources but lack quality control. These efforts underscore the need for scalable, evidence-based solutions that address barriers like inconsistent training and cultural stigma.
A transformative marketing campaign can bridge these gaps by prioritizing awareness, resource accessibility, and community engagement. Outcomes include educators confidently addressing mental health, students demonstrating improved resilience, and policies embedding mental health education into curricula. Strategic implementation combines print and digital media, multimedia tools like webinars and podcasts, and grassroots efforts such as student-led projects and teacher ambassadors.
Challenges, funding shortages, training delays, and stigma require proactive solutions: securing grants, offering flexible training, and fostering community dialogue to normalize mental health discussions. Adaptability ensures relevance amid shifting policies and technological demands.
Ultimately, mental health literacy is not an add-on but a cornerstone of education. Schools can empower students to thrive emotionally and academically by uniting stakeholders and prioritizing empathy. This initiative envisions a future where mental health is openly valued, equipping young individuals with lifelong tools for resilience. As the campaign asserts, *emotional intelligence begins with you, a collective call to action for a healthier, more compassionate generation.
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The Future of Our Children
Intentional MH Literacy for Middle School Students
As we reflect on the critical need for mental health literacy in our schools, it becomes clear that the campaign to promote this essential education must extend beyond individual classrooms to the broader legislative arena. To effectively address the widespread gap in mental health education, we must advocate for its inclusion in school curricula nationwide, from middle school through high school. This initiative can lay a foundation for all students to thrive under any circumstance, equipping them with vital emotional intelligence that is often not imparted by parents or guardians.
Bringing this campaign to the attention of the United States Congress is an essential step in catalyzing change. By pursuing legislative support, we can engage policymakers to recognize the urgency of integrating mental health literacy into the educational framework at a national level. Such legislation would not only provide structured guidelines for curriculum implementation but also allocate necessary resources and training for educators. This would create a uniform standard that ensures all students, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background, have access to crucial mental health education.
The benefits of establishing mental health literacy as a mandated component of the school curriculum are profound. This initiative would foster an environment in which children learn to recognize their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. In a society increasingly faced with challenges related to mental health—ranging from anxiety and depression to bullying and social isolation—proactive education can significantly mitigate these issues. By empowering students with emotional intelligence, we equip them not only for personal success but also for meaningful relationships and professional achievement later in life.
Moreover, for children who may not receive adequate emotional guidance at home, this campaign serves as a lifeline, filling a critical gap in their upbringing. Through comprehensive mental health literacy programs, we can foster a generation that prioritizes emotional wellness, enabling them to navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and understanding.
The time has come to amplify the call for legislative action that mandates mental health literacy training in schools across the United States. By extending our efforts to Congress and advocating for laws that integrate mental health education into the curriculum, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive. This movement is not only about shaping individual lives but also about cultivating a healthier society—one where emotional intelligence is valued and integrated into the very fabric of education. Together, we can champion this cause and pave the way for future generations to flourish.

Yolanda Michelle Travis
BFA Graphic Design Educator:
Mentor for the Next Generation of Creatives
As an experienced designer with several years of practice within marketing agencies and in-house roles, I have found a profound sense of purpose in transitioning my passion for visual storytelling into the realm of education as an adjunct lecturer. With a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design, I serve as a bridge between classroom theory and industry reality. My mission is to craft courses that empower students with not only the technical skills necessary for design but also the critical thinking and professional resilience required to thrive in an increasingly fast-paced creative environment.
My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that exceptional design is intentional, iterative, and inclusive. In my classrooms, students engage with the Adobe Creative Suite not merely as a set of tools; they confront real-world briefs, defend their creative decisions in rigorous critiques, and construct portfolios that reflect both their artistic vision and strategic problem-solving abilities. Whether I am guiding a student through their first logo design or mentoring seniors on client-facing projects, my goal is to instill the resilience and curiosity that I have cultivated through my experiences in agencies and boardrooms. This practical engagement facilitates a deeper understanding of the design process, encouraging students to navigate the complexities of the creative industry confidently.
The impetus for my transition from studio practice to teaching was driven by a desire to empower emerging designers as they learn to navigate feedback, balance creativity with pressing deadlines, and discover their unique voices amidst a crowded industry. I strive to merge the pragmatism that I gained from my agency experiences with the theoretical rigor of my MFA to prepare students not only to enter the field but to challenge and redefine it.
Currently, my focus centers on designing curricula that closely mirror real-world workflows, encompassing every stage from concept development to final client presentation. I am dedicated to mentoring students as they embark on internships, develop their portfolios, and navigate the often labyrinthine pathways of their careers. Additionally, I actively explore the evolving role of design in areas such as branding, digital media, and social impact, ensuring that my students are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary landscape of graphic design. Through this multifaceted approach, I aim to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers, inspiring them to recognize their potential and influence within the dynamic world of design.
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