The "Educating the Educators" (ETE) Program is an initiative developed by NAMI NJ (National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey) in partnership with the New Jersey Psychiatric Association (NJPA) and the New Jersey Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (NJCCAP) to help K-12 educators understand children with biologically-based mental illnesses. NAMI NJ is state affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). The NAMI NJ mission is to improve the lives of all people affected by mental illness through programs of support, education and advocacy. ETE is the only NJ program dedicated solely to educating teachers about mental illness in the classroom.

"Educating the Educators" is presented by a physician, a parent and either a classroom teacher or a special education administrator. During an ETE session, presenters provide an overview of practical tools to help motivate children with social and emotional disorders, including ADD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Anxiety Disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as Autism. Topics will include symptoms, treatment, collaboration, resources, referrals, stigma, empathy and accommodations.

ETE programs are flexible and can vary in presentation time from 1 to 3 hours. NAMI NJ is registered as a Provider of Continuing Education Credits (CEUS) for ETE. Presentations can be tailored to the needs of a particular school or school district with respect to cultural competency, the specific disorders addressed, the composition of the presentation team and resources provided.

Part I - The Biological Nature of Mental Illness (presented by a medical doctor)
Mental illnesses are biological brain disorders. They are not caused by poor parenting skills, or weaknesses of character. Learn the facts and the fiction of childhood-onset mental illness.

Part II - The Family Perspective (presented by a family member)
Mental illness has a devastating effect on the child as well as the family. Most families are very devoted and work tirelessly to help their seriously ill children understand, cope, and persevere in spite of everyday challenges. Experience a walk in their shoes.

Part III - Where Do We Go from Here? (presented by an experienced educator)
Learn what resources/tools are available to the school, the students, and to the families that will lead to a more enriching experience for everyone involved in guiding each child toward a successful future.

NAMI NJ is registered with the NJ Department of Education as a provider of
Professional Development credit hours for Educating the Educators (ETE).

Program Brochure (pdf)

For further information and to schedule a presentation, please contact

Kathleen Considine
NAMI NJ Program Director
The "Educating the Educators" (ETE) Program
at 800-706-0316 (email ete@naminj.org)
or
Lorrie Baumann
NAMI NJ Coordinator
The "Educating the Educators" (ETE) Program
at 908-685-0206 (email LorrieB777@aol.com)

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