2025 Educator Book Study Information- Behind Happy Faces

Behind Happy Faces

Author: Ross Szabo/Melanie Hall 

Facilitated by: Denise Shugarts 

Limited to 20 participants 

Behind Happy Faces by Ross Szabo is a powerful resource for educators to better understand the mental health challenges faced by students, particularly when it comes to the hidden struggles of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Szabo, who has firsthand experience with mental illness, offers a candid look at how these issues can manifest behind a student's outward appearance of happiness and success. Through his personal story and research, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing mental health symptoms in students, providing a supportive environment, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in schools. Educators are provided with practical advice on how to create a safe space for students to discuss mental health concerns and how to identify early warning signs.

The book also equips teachers with strategies for fostering mental wellness in the classroom and encouraging students to seek help when needed. Szabo’s insights into how mental health affects students’ performance and overall well-being can empower educators to be proactive in addressing these challenges. With an emphasis on open communication, empathy, and teaching coping strategies, Behind Happy Faces serves as a vital tool in helping educators support their students' mental health. It stresses that by building strong, trusting relationships and being mindful of mental health, educators can play a pivotal role in improving students' academic success and personal growth.

Format: Book Study Meeting. We will be using a hybrid model for this book study and will only have 2 zoom sessions. The remainder of your time will be spent individually reading the book and logging questions into an online format.

Dates: 

• May 6, 2025: ZOOM Meeting 3:15-4:15 pm 

• Week of May 12th-16th: Independent Work 

• Week of May 20th-23rd: Independent Work 

• May 27, 2025: ZOOM Meeting 3:15-4:15 pm 

How It Works:

• Check out the book from the library or purchase it. Amazon has it for $8.99

• Check your email for the ZOOM link and Syllabus (one week prior to the meeting) • Read the book as outlined and shared during our first organizational meeting • Get ready to share your thoughts and ideas as we journey through the book together in a flexible Zoom (or Google doc format)

• If you are not present for a ZOOM meeting, you will be required to provide a written summary of the chapters covered in order to receive your hours

A certificate with your 15 credit hours will be issued upon completion of the podcast group study