K-12 Innovation -Redefining Education with Jennifer Cantor plus Anxiety and Depression in Gen Z with Katrina Leggins, LCSW

Episode Summary

This episode delves into redefining education through K-12 innovation with Jennifer Cantor, Principal and Co-Owner of Rivers Academy, an alternative school offering unique educational experiences. We discuss alternative education, its impact on mental health, and upcoming trends. Additionally, Katrina Leggins, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker and mental health advocate, shares insights on managing anxiety and depression for Gen Z. He also dispels misconceptions about the generation, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support.

Takeaways

• Alternative Education Models: Rivers Academy highlights the benefits of experiential learning, diverse cultures, and global adventures for student engagement and growth.
• Individualized Education: Custom approaches to education help students discover their passions and thrive academically and emotionally.
• Mental Health Impact: Innovative educational practices positively affect students' mental health and overall well-being.
• Role of Collaboration and Technology: These elements are crucial in modernizing educational practices.
• Community Support: Parents and communities play a vital role in supporting educational innovation through advocacy and volunteering.
• Gen Z Challenges: This generation faces significant mental health pressures from academic and career expectations, social media, and societal standards.
• Practical Mental Health Tips: Real self-care, setting boundaries, self-compassion, outdoor activities, meaningful connections, and mindful social media use are key to managing anxiety and depression.
• Misconceptions about Gen Z: Contrary to views of them being overly sensitive or lazy, Gen Z is business-driven, politically active, and well-informed.
• Support Strategies: Effective ways to support young people with mental health issues include listening, creating safe spaces, educating oneself, and involving mental health professionals.
• Resources: Katrina Leggins, LCSW  offers various tools and worksheets for teen girls and women on his website.

Sound Bites

• "We got to experience real world experiences instead of just reading about it in textbooks."
• "It's really made a big impact when, you know, Julia came to us and, and eighth grade was like, Hey, I really want to look at an alternative."
• "I think we need to do it differently. I think there need to be options out there for kids."
• "Gen Z, they are stressed out. They are burnt out, they are overwhelmed."
• "Gen Z is a generation that literally grew up using social media and the internet."
• "Invest in real self-care. Setting boundaries. Practicing self-compassion. Going outdoors, exercising, moving your body. Cultivating meaningful connections."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction: Redefining Education with K through 12 Innovation
• 03:17 Experiential Learning and Global Adventures
• 07:09 The Impact on Mental Health
• 10:25 The Journey of Rivers Academy
• 15:05 The Future of Education: Collaboration and Technology
• 21:41 Supporting Educational Innovation: The Role of Parents and Communities
• 28:40 Introduction and Background
• 29:38 Challenges Faced by Gen Z
• 30:39 Personal Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Advocate
• 32:59 Pivotal Moment in Career: Working with Adolescents and Gen Z
• 34:45 Common Issues Faced by Gen Z
• 36:39 Misconceptions about Gen Z
• 38:03 Practical Steps for Gen Z to Manage Anxiety and Depression
• 39:29 Resources and Tools for Teen Girls and Women
• 40:56 Advice for Parents and Educators
• 43:18 Q&A: Spreading Awareness in Public Schools
• 43:47 Q&A: Supporting Young People in Absentee Parenting Situations

Speakers

Jennifer Cantor

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer