Professional Learning

Professional Learning

 

School Safety 2024-2025

Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP)

Training Portal

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP) is an online tool for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to request specific Professional Learning (PL) and Technical Assistance (TA) support from the USBE. The information submitted is used to help coordinate PL and TA across the state to ensure that LEA needs are addressed and met in an efficient manner.

Utah School Safety Conference

The School Safety Center (SSC) is excited to share that we are hosting the Utah School Safety Conference annually. This will be the conference to attend! We create a unique conference experience for Utah each year. 

June 2025

Audience: School Safety & Security Specialists, School Building Administrators, Crisis-Response Team Members, School-based Mental Health Professionals, School Resource Officers (SROs) and Law Enforcement, and other school employees who support school safety.

Location: TBA

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (each day)

Action: Save the dates

For questions, contact Melissa Muhlestein.

Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)

The CSTAG training is the foundation to assist LEAs with the creation and implementation of threat assessment and a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team in accordance with the Utah State Legislature's Title 53G-8-802: State Safety and Support Program - State Board Duties and the USBE Administrative Rules R277-400: School Facility Emergency and Safety.

Structure: This training is offered as a 6-8 hour training for 80 individuals that consists of in person instruction and peer-to-peer collaboration.

Target Audience: School officials who serve on the school’s threat assessment multidisciplinary team such as School Administrators, School Safety and Security Specialists, LEA Safety and Security Directors, School Resource Officers, School-based Mental Health Providers (School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers).

To request this training, use the TRP link at the top of this page by clicking on the computer icon.

PREPaRE Trainings

Dates are posted for each workshop once they’re scheduled. For more information regarding this training, contact Cathy Davis at cathy.davis@schools.utah.gov.

PREPaRE Workshop 1 (3rd Edition)

In this one-day workshop of the PREPaRE 3rd Edition, participants will learn how to establish and sustain comprehensive school safety efforts that attend to both physical and psychological safety. The workshop addresses critical components needed to develop, exercise, and evaluate safety and crisis teams and plans and conduct building vulnerability assessments. The model also integrates school personnel and community provider roles in providing school-based crisis preparedness and response activities.

Target Audience: School-based Mental Health Providers (School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers), Student Service Directors, Prevention Specialists, School Safety and Security Specialists, School Administrators.

PREPaRE Workshop 2 (3rd Edition)

This two-day workshop of the PREPaRE 3rd Edition develops the knowledge and skill required to provide immediate mental health crisis interventions to the students, staff, and school community members who have been simultaneously exposed to an acute traumatic stressor. The knowledge and skill developed within this session also helps to build a bridge to the psychotherapeutic and trauma informed mental health response sometimes required to address challenges associated with trauma exposure.

Target Audience: School-based Mental Health Providers (School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers), Student Service Directors, Prevention Specialists, School Safety and Security Specialists, School Administrators.

For questions, contact Tina Morandy at tina.morandy@schools.utah.gov.

Contacts

Melissa Muhlestein
Executive Secretary
School Safety Center
melissa.muhlestein@schools.utah.gov

Shaleece Oldroyd
Administrative Secretary
School Safety and Student Services
shaleece.oldroyd@schools.utah.gov

Student Services 2024-2025

Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP)

Training Portal

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP) is an online tool for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to request specific Professional Learning (PL) and Technical Assistance (TA) support from the USBE. The information submitted is used to help coordinate PL and TA across the state to ensure that LEA needs are addressed and met in an efficient manner.

Utah’s School Behavioral Health Toolkit Webinars

The Utah State Board of Education and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services have worked in partnership to create Utah’s School Behavioral Health Toolkit Collaborating to Address Mental and Emotional Wellness for SchoolAged Children (download first for all features to function).

The following is a 6-part webinar training series which provides an introduction to the 5-stage framework and guiding principles found within the toolkit, along with a drilled down examination of each of the 5 stages and how they can support efforts in advancing school-based behavioral health in Utah communities. 

0.5 license renewal hour is available to participants who complete the required content questions and evaluation (questionnaire listed for each webinar) and provide their Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) Identification Number or Massively Integrated Data Analytics System (MIDAS) number.

The full playlist can be found at Utah’s School Behavioral Health Toolkit Webinars.
YouTube

For more information regarding these trainings, contact Ashley Lower at ashley.lower@schools.utah.gov, Scott Eyre at saeyre@utah.gov, or Terrakay Bodily at terrakay.bodily@schools.utah.gov. 

Section 504 Webinar - Supporting Students with Medical Needs

Recording: Section 504 Webinar - Support for Students with Medical Needs
YouTube

Flyer: Section 504 Webinar - Supporting Students with Medical Needs

Date: March 25, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mandt De-escalation Training

The Mandt System® is a comprehensive, integrated approach to preventing, de-escalating, and if necessary, intervening when the behavior of an individual poses a threat of harm to themselves and/or others. The focus of the Mandt System® is on building healthy relationships between all the stakeholders in human service settings in order to facilitate the development of an organizational culture that provides the emotional, psychological, and physical safety needed in order to teach new behaviors to replace the behaviors that are labeled “challenging”.

Structure: Each training section has a maximum of 20 participants. Masks may be required depending on local guidelines.

Target Audience: Special Education Teachers, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, School Counselors, School-based Mental Health Providers, General Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, School Administrators, and more.

Registration is required to attend the recertification course. Registration information below.

Re-Certification

Fall 2024-2025 (Coming Soon)

New Certification

Fall 2024-2025 (Coming Soon)

For content questions, contact Ashley Lower at ashley.lower@schools.utah.gov.
For registration questions, contact Millie Mortensen.

Contacts

Millie Mortensen
Executive Secretary
Student Services
millie.mortensen@schools.utah.gov

Shaleece Oldroyd
Administrative Secretary
School Safety and Student Services
shaleece.oldroyd@schools.utah.gov

Prevention

Visit the Prevention Professional Learning page for learning opportunities related to their programs.

School Safety and Security Specialists

Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP)

Training Portal

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP) is an online tool for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to request specific Professional Learning (PL) and Technical Assistance (TA) support from the USBE. The information submitted is used to help coordinate PL and TA across the state to ensure that LEA needs are addressed and met in an efficient manner.

Overview

A School Safety and Security Specialist is a school employee (e.g. teacher, school counselor, school social worker, school psychologist) who is responsible for supporting school safety initiatives, including behavioral threat assessment. Every public primary and secondary school in Utah shall designate a School Safety and Security Specialist in accordance with 53G-8-701.5. All designated personnel are required to attend the Utah State Board of Education School Safety Center trainings listed below.

School Safety Specialist Overview

2023 - 2024 Required Trainings

Attending the School Safety Center trainings is required. 

**NOTE: Each School Safety and Security Specialist must submit the questionnaire for each training to mark completion. 

Optional: One (1) License Renewal Hour is available for each hour of content if you have a MIDAS account and complete Section 3 with 100% accuracy.

Onboarding

Recording: School Safety Specialist - Onboarding Webinar (YouTube)

Completion Questionnaire: School Safety Specialists Webinar Series Questionnaire: Onboarding (Google Form)

Presentation: School Safety Specialist - Onboarding Webinar

Call to Action

Complete the FY24 Assessment of School Safety Specialist Training Needs (Qualtrics)

January 24, 2024 - Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans

Recording: School Safety Specialists Training - January 24, 2024 (YouTube)

Completion Questionnaire: School Safety Specialists Webinar Series Questionnaire: Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Plans (Google Form)

Presentation: School Safety Specialist - Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Plans

Call to Action

After the webinar, School Safety and Security Specialists will: 

  1. be aware of the location of their school's and local education agency's emergency response protocols, and 
  2. work with the appropriate administrator to review their school's Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan.
Resources

April 17, 2024 - Legislative Updates

Recording: 20240417 School Safety and Security Specialist Webinars - April 17, 2024 (YouTube)

Completion Questionnaire: School Safety and Security Specialists Webinar Series Questionnaire: Legislative Updates (Google Form)

Presentation: School Safety and Security Specialist Webinars - April 17, 2024

Call to Action

After the webinar, School Safety and Security Specialists will: 

  1. locate any school safety data collected at their district or school level and learn how it is utilized; and
  2. research other school safety-related data collected at the community level (e.g., Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA), local health department, law enforcement agency, etc.).
Resources

**The School Safety Center is in the process of putting together support resources relating to House Bill (H.B.) 84 (2024)

Contact Us

General Questions: schoolsafetyprograms@schools.utah.gov

Rhett Larsen
School Safety Center Coordinator
Phone: (801) 538-7997 | E-mail
Ashley Pistello
School Safety Center Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7728 | E-mail
Melissa Muhlestein
Executive Secretary
Phone: (385) 295-7931 | E-mail

 

Trauma Sensitive School Courses

Visit the Trauma Sensitive School Courses page for details regarding online coursework via Canvas modules.

 

Trauma Sensitive Schools Professional Development

Overview

Trauma-sensitive schools recognize that trauma affects students, families, communities, and schools. Many children experience trauma amidst ongoing exposure throughout their early development, such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, or violence. Although not all exposure to trauma leads to difficulty in functioning, research tells us that exposure to trauma and toxic stress can lead to difficulties with learning and behavior. Schools are uniquely positioned to prevent and mitigate the impacts of traumatic exposure on students. Promoting trauma-informed school practices has the greatest potential to positively impact student outcomes, regardless of trauma history. By becoming a trauma-sensitive school, schools can become a protective factor for students’ and increase their social, emotional, and academic skills, while safeguarding the well-being of school personnel who strive to meet the unique needs of all learners.

Through online coursework via Canvas, the Trauma-Sensitive Schools Professional Development follows a Trauma-Skilled Schools Model (National Dropout Prevention Center, 2018) and is delivered in the following three phases:

Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules

Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules

Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Professional Learning Credit

Participants have the option to earn 0.5 USBE Professional Learning Credit for each phase completed. In accordance with the USBE Administrative Rules R277-315: Educator Professional Learning Procedures and USBE Credit, attendees requesting professional learning credit will need to complete all coursework, including 2 hours of an independent learning assignment. If you choose not to complete all coursework, you will be ineligible to earn USBE Professional Learning Credit. Please also note that you cannot receive USBE credit if you do not have a Utah Educator Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) Identification number and Massively Integrated Data Analytics System (MIDAS) account.

Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

The Trauma-Informed Learning Modules are intended to:

inform all school personnel (certified and classified) about the prevalence and impact of trauma and toxic stress in the lives of Utah students; and

build capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-K through Grade 12.

At the completion of this training, participants will understand the impact of trauma and toxic stress as well as the short and long-term effects on student learning.

There will be three sections of the course offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Each semester is a repeat, so participants will only need to register for one of the three semesters offered.

Fall Semester: September - December 2022 (Coursework deadline is December 31, 2022)

Spring Semester: January - April 2023 (Coursework deadline is April 30, 2023)

Summer Semester: May - August 2023 (Coursework deadline is August 31, 2023)

This course is designed for you to work at your own pace. However, you must have everything submitted by the last day of the month for the section in which you are enrolled (December 31, 2022, April 30, 2023, or August 31, 2023). If this coursework is not completed by the deadline, you will be required to enroll in a later course. Course registration for each section will close 30 days prior to the deadline.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

To begin the Trauma-Informed Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps.

Summer: May 2023 - August 2023

If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Trauma-Informed Learning Modules Summer 2023

If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.

Click on I'm a Student.

Enter the Join Code WK3C63.

Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules

The Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules are a continuation of the Trauma-Informed Learning Modules (Phase 1) and are designed to move participants from a trauma-informed to a trauma-responsive approach.

The Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules are intended to:

equip all school personnel (classified and certified) with trauma-responsive educational practices; and

build capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

At the completion of this training, participants will recognize the importance of schools as a sanctuary space that is rooted in trusting relationships between students and educators, prioritize proactive behavioral supports over-reactive disciplinary consequences, anticipate and respond to challenging student behaviors with de-escalation techniques, and align trauma-informed practices with other schoolwide initiatives.

There will be three sections of the course offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Each semester is a repeat, so participants will only need to register for one of the three semesters offered.

Section 1: September - December 2022 (Coursework deadline is December 31, 2022)

Section 2: January - April 2023 (Coursework deadline is April 30, 2023)

Section 3: May - August 2023 (Coursework deadline is August 31, 2023)

This course is designed for you to work at your own pace. However, you must have everything submitted by the last day of the month for the section in which you are enrolled (December 31, 2022, April 30, 2023, or August 31, 2023). If this coursework is not completed by the deadline, you will be required to re-enroll in a later course. Course registration for each section will close 30 days prior to the deadline.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules

To begin the Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps. Note, Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules is the prerequisite to Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules. Successful completion of Phase 1 is required before enrolling in Phase 2.

Summer: May 2023 - August 2023

If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules Summer 2023

If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.

Click on I'm a Student.

Enter the Join Code 4GCK44.

Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules

Phase 3 is designed specifically for local education agency (LEA) leaders and building administrators. The purpose of this training is to assist administrators who want to move towards implementing practices that foster a trauma-sensitive school environment. This training is designed to give administrators the tools, knowledge, and framework necessary to move towards a sustainable, systemic approach for trauma-sensitive school practices.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance

To begin the Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps. Note, this training is for local education agency (LEA) leaders and building administrators.

If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance.

If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.

Click on I'm a Student.

Enter the Join Code 9Y4X84.

Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

For technical assistance, please contact Tina Morandy, Course Facilitator, at tina.morandy@schools.utah.gov.

Training Resources

Leave it Alone; Educate Others; Tell an Adult; and, Share Threats Against the School or Other Students with Authorities (L.E.T.S.) Stay Safe: Utah Firearms Safety and Violence Prevention Program

Training Requirements for Schools

Connect: Training Professionals and Communities in Suicide Prevention and Response
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

PREPaRE Training Curriculum
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

The Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines
University of Virginia

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid