About PFA-TEACH
PFA-TEACH is a Tier 1 universal intervention. It is an evidence-informed step-by-step process for applying psychological first aid in school environments. PFA-TEACH was developed by educators and experts in crisis response, including some of the original developers of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). PFA-TEACH incorporates the latest trauma and resilience brain science to effectively address the needs of students, faculty, and staff following crises and other traumatic events.
PFA-TEACH is a Tier 1 universal intervention. It is an evidence-informed step-by-step process for applying psychological first aid in school environments. PFA-TEACH was developed by educators and experts in crisis response. PFA-TEACH incorporates the latest brain science of trauma and resilience to effectively address the needs of students, faculty, and staff following crises and other traumatic events.
PFA-TEACH is a universal intervention designed to be administered by any school personnel who might engage with a student. The PFA-TEACH process is robust but easy to implement.
PFA-TEACH aligns with the United States Department of Education’s five mission areas for school and safety response plans:
- Prevent
- Protect
- Mitigate
- Respond
- Recover
This process includes the following:
1. Talk to Build Trust – Establish trust and connection while fostering a sense of physical and emotional safety
2. Educate with Empathy – Normalize common reactions to crises while helping calm and regulate difficult emotions
3. Acknowledge and Address – Identify, acknowledge, and address student concerns that are keeping them from returning to or engaging at school
4. Connect to Cope – Provide resources and supports to address immediate needs and encourage healthy coping strategies
5. Hope – Promote optimism for the future and a path for reaching that future through modeling and envisioning
Staff can receive PFA-TEACH training through two formats: live (in person or virtual) and online. Although our live sessions with certified trainers are considered the gold-standard approach, the online course is a great option when a live format is not feasible. To learn more, explore our comprehensive Training Menu. Additionally, our PFA manual, which includes supplemental materials that support and guide implementation, is available to preview.
For more information about scheduling a live training or purchasing the PFA-TEACH manual, contact [email protected].
PFA-TEACH trainers go through an extensive train-the-trainer process. We are proud to highlight our certified faculty, national trainers, and regional trainers, many of whom contributed to both the PFA course and manual.
| Faculty/National Trainers | National Trainers | Regional Trainers |
|---|---|---|
|
Pamela Vona, MA, MPH Marleen Wong, PhD Vivien Villaverde, MSSW, PPSC, LCSW |
||
|
Melissa Spiegelman, MAEd Angela Krauss, BS, OCPS |
||
|
Lisa Wobbe-Veit, MSW Kerry Doyle, DSW, MSSW Sydney Hutchins, MA |
Access PFA-TEACH
PFA-TEACH accounts provide access to the online course and include implementation materials.
Already have an account? Log in now.