As educators still battle staff shortages and teacher burnout, some are learning how to deal with another challenge in the classroom.
Special Education Teacher Abbie Sis recalls a time she found herself in conflict with one of her students.
“He's breathing heavier, okay let’s see. I know that I need to take him out into the hallway and get him to do something fun," said Sis.
She also remembers how she handled the situation using the Mandt System.
“The whole basis of it is teaching how to build healthy relationships with kids," said April Overholser, speech-language pathologist and pathology coordinator at Educational Service Unit in Holdrege.
Overholser said the training also teaches educators that having conflict is normal.
“Especially working with kids who’ve maybe experienced the trauma of some sort, or who are exhibiting behaviors where their emotions are very escalated and we need to help work them through that."
In this part of the training, teachers were placed in groups of three. They were tasked with coming up with a solution for a problem given to them.
The group then had to decide how they would work together after winning $10,000.
And although the activity was for fun, the lesson is serious.
“Maintaining dignity and respect. Those are all key pieces of our course," said Overholser.
“It’s just a great reminder, and to take and just be a reminder for tough situations," said Sis.
Once educators complete the three-day training they will receive certification and will have to recertify each year. The training continues in Holdrege Wednesday.