ORCID
Aaron Leo: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1226-6861
Jessie Tobin: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8211-1921
Paul Guay: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2267-915X
Kristen Wilcox: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3338-8008
Abstract
This study investigated how 133 educators in six rural schools experience and address youth mental health challenges and the adaptations they use to meet students’ needs. Interview and focus group data were examined through the lens of rural community wealth to draw attention to the ways educators support their students and the resources on which they draw in their efforts. Findings illustrate that rural educators shift to providing as many services to students as possible on their school campuses; increase the capacity of staff members to address students’ mental health through targeted professional development and training; and integrate social-emotional learning into curricula and programming across content areas. While not discounting the very real obstacles educators face, we highlight the strengths and assets that educators employ to address their students’ mental health challenges. This article concludes with implications for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals who work in rural locations.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Leo, A.,
Tobin, J.,
Guay, P.,
&
Wilcox, K. C.
(2026).
Resourcefulness, Ingenuity, and Community Strengths in Meeting Rural Youth Mental Health Needs: A Multiple Case Study.
The Rural Educator, 47(3), 47-64.
https://doi.org/10.55533/2643-9662.1601
