Responding to School Crises: A Multi-Component Crisis Intervention Approach

Educators nationwide and worldwide struggle to establish and manage School Crisis Response Teams in response to the recent escalation in frequency and scope of campus emergencies. Community CISM teams have much to offer, but much to learn about the unique milieu of schools. Similarly, schools can benefit from CISM technology and strategies. This course attempts to develop a common language and approach that fits within the broad goals and specific needs of school crisis management. Working together in multi-disciplinary teams, the course explores organizing principles, developing specific skills and culminates in a large incident planning simulation. Successful completion of the Train the Trainer program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Train the Trainer Program:

• Completion of the following ICISF courses: Group Crisis Intervention, Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support, Advanced Group Crisis Intervention and Responding to School Crises courses as taught by ICISF or by an ICISF approved instructor. (Copies of certificates required to accompany the application.) The Advanced Group Crisis Intervention course may be taken within 6 months of instructor course completion. Instructor status will not be granted until the prerequisite is met.
• Minimum of 2 years school based experience as either a: Teacher, Counselor, or School Psychologist or Social Worker. Administrators and school resource/safety officers with similar experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
• Completion of a minimum of 15 debriefings. (Equivalent experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis).
• A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or educational institution dated within three months of application due date.*
• A letter of endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.*

  * At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate's teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.

• Active membership on a crisis intervention team or educational crisis response team .
• Current ICISF membership.
• A copy of a current CV or resume.
• Official course application form.
• A brief statement outlining:
  1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
  2. Your instructional experience.
  3. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.

Last updated: March 2008