Seeing Students, Supporting Students
A guide for faculty & staff on recognizing and responding
to students who are struggling
Jason Otwell, LPC
Dunwoody High School
Why This Matters
A word before we start
You are good people.
You show up for kids every single day — that already says a lot about who you are.
You care about students.
That care is the foundation for everything in this training.
It makes your job easier.
Healthy teens are better learners — supporting well-being supports learning.
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Heart at Peace vs. Heart at War
Ideas adapted from The Anatomy of Peace, The Arbinger Institute
How do you see your students?
HEART AT PEACE
A person who matters, just like you.
HEART AT WAR
An object — an obstacle to winning, ease, or self-esteem.
It's harder to be a safe person for students if you're already at war with them — and students will often fire the first shot.
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Curiosity — and Caring for Yourself
A Heart at War makes curiosity difficult.
Being curious about a student is the first step toward being genuinely helpful.
Don't forget about your own mental health.
You deserve to be healthy and well, too. Taking care of yourself is also what makes you more available for your students.
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Signs of a Struggling Student
The main thing to watch for: a significant change from the student's own norm.
Academic
Attendance, grades, assignments, or participation
Physical
Mood, energy, sleepiness, hygiene, or physical complaints
Social
Friendships, withdrawal, isolation, irritability, or tearfulness
Safety
Hopeless comments, self-harm indicators, substance-use concerns, or risky behavior
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Fix Your Face
How to show up for a student who is struggling
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How to Show Up — Part 1
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Be open and empathetic
Let your face and posture say the student is safe with you.
“I've noticed you've missed some assignments and wanted to check on you. How are you doing?”
Respect privacy
Handle what a student shares with discretion and care.
Ask questions — and want to hear the answers
Genuine questions, genuinely listened to.
“Is there something you're struggling with or want to talk about?”
Observe and don't assume
Name what you notice; avoid deciding why on your own.
“You seem to be exhausted every time I see you.”
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How to Show Up — Part 2
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Don't be afraid to be direct
Students may not volunteer information on their own — don't be afraid to ask.
Express concern and care
Say plainly that you're concerned, because you are.
“I'm worried about you.”
Follow up
One conversation is a start, not a finish.
“You know you're not alone.” • “Just wanted to check on you — how you doing?”
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Don't Go Alone
Getting parents involved is key.
Parents can drive the pursuit of care in a way school staff alone cannot — loop them in early.
You are not meant to carry this alone. Be open with each other.
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Crisis & Support Resources
988
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7
800-715-4225
Georgia Crisis Line — 24/7
ER or Local Psych Hospital
For urgent, in-person evaluation
Atlanta Specialized Care
Rapid Access Assessment
Both crisis lines can also handle substance-use concerns.
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