When education professor Lindsey Jaber was searching for resources to support her students, she found a significant gap in literature addressing all aspects of mental health within an educational context.

So, she decided to fill the gap herself.

“It became immediately clear to me that teacher candidates were in desperate need of a deep and thorough understanding and appreciation of mental health and mental health challenges, and its impact on students, educators, and families,” Dr. Jaber explained.

Collaborating with academics and professionals from across the country, she edited and contributed chapters to create Understanding Mental Health Across Educational Contexts. The book contributes to the ongoing mental health conversation, while providing strategies and resources to serve as a reference guide to common mental health disorders in K–12 classroom settings.

As a registered school, clinical, and counselling psychologist with experience in both the education system and private practice, Jaber has a foundational understanding of the mental health crisis affecting Canadian schools.

“Nearly one in four Canadians are affected by mental health problems or mental illness,” shared Jaber.

“The importance of recognizing and supporting students and educators who struggle with poor mental health or mental illness has always been important. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted students, educators, and parents, increasing the need to focus on understanding mental health challenges in educational settings.”

Written with future educators and support workers in mind, the 15 chapters provide a guide to common mental health disorders, while offering a toolbox of classroom strategies.

Organized in two parts — core concepts and practical applications — this collection covers topics ranging from the relationship between mental health and academic achievement to technology in the classroom; neurodiversity; career development; Indigenous, queer, and anti-racist praxis; trauma-informed teaching; and creating mentally healthy classrooms.

The three-year process of editing and authoring several chapters in the book was an experience Jaber never fully imagined.

“It was much harder than I ever thought, but also much more rewarding. Working with contributors from across Canada who brought such rich and diverse perspectives and discussions to the book was by far the most exciting and fulfilling part of the editing and writing journey.”

Among the contributors were three familiar names to the University of Windsor: Cory Saunders, a registered clinical neuropsychologist and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education; Marium Tolson-Murtty, a doctoral student and director of Anti-Racism Organizational Change in the Office of the Vice-President of People, Equity, and Inclusion; and Jennifer Corderio, a doctoral candidate working under Jaber.

As a practising psychologist, Dr. Saunders has witnessed the profound impact that mental health has on student success and overall well-being.

“Addressing mental health in education is not just important, it’s essential for fostering resilient learners,” Saunder said. “By sharing evidence-based strategies, this book can empower educators and create supportive environments that nurture both emotional and academic growth to support a future where mental health is a fundamental component of education.”

Tolson-Murtty emphasized that the book highlights the often-overlooked impact of racial trauma on students and how to address it, offering vital insights for both new and experienced teachers.

“It goes beyond culturally informed pedagogy but delves into the historical inequities within the Canadian education system: how these ideals still manifest today, impacting students, and teacher perception of students from racially marginalized communities," she said.

Corderio, who studied under Jaber for just over three years in the Faculty of Education, died before the book was published. The book is dedicated to her memory.

“We wanted to do something special for Jen to recognize the work she contributed to the book,” Jaber said.

While the book is intended for university courses, it is also a practical resource for anyone working in an educational setting. It is available for purchase through the Canadian Scholars website as well as on Amazon.