Workshop: Navigating Grief in the Classroom:
Learning through Loss
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Navigating Grief in the Classroom is a six-part workshop series designed to equip educators, counselors, and school staff with practical, relational tools to support grieving students with dignity, emotional literacy, and connection.
-
Build confidence in responding to students’ grief while fostering trust and resilience
-
Accessible and adaptable for your school or district, the series can be delivered in full or introduced through a 1-hour staff development session.
-
CEU-eligible for professional development credit.
-
Complements crisis response efforts by supporting your school community’s resilience before a loss and helping rebuild in the weeks to months afterward.
Developed by a psychologist and former educator specializing in grief, loss, and suicide prevention, this course helps your staff meet the real challenges of grief in the classroom with compassion and skill.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
In the wake of loss, students often turn first to the people they trust most in their daily lives, which can often be their classroom teachers. Educators. counselors, and school staff are not expected to be therapists. But the simple, steady presence of a trusted adult can be one of the most powerful sources of healing and belonging for a grieving student.
This resource series was designed to help educators build comfort, confidence, and connection in the face of grief. It is not about having all the answers. It is about learning to sit beside grief, listen to what it needs, and create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Book a consultation with the facilitator to learn more.
WHY KITA
Deep understanding of childhood and teen grief across a wide range of losses, with special expertise in suicide loss, including its complexities and stigma.
WHEN KITA FITS
Designed to complement, not replace, crisis response efforts. We support schools after a loss or proactively before one, helping communities become more connected and resilient.
Learning outcomes
All options include examination of grief across developmental stages and provide practical tools, handouts, and resources. The modules in every format include:
Understanding Grief in the School Setting
Dignity-Centered Communication
Self-Care & Emotional Boundaries for Educators
Empathetic Listening
& Non-Verbal Communication
Belonging Work in the Wake of Loss
Creating Brave
& Safe Spaces
Learning Formats
Flexible learning options designed to meet schools where they are, see below to see our options or reach out to discuss custom opportunities.
Format
In-person, full-day, on-site workshop (5–6 hours)
Participants
Cost Per Person
Facilitators
Up to 25
$1,250 + travel/ lodging
One
26-49
$2,000 + travel/ lodging
Two
50+
Contact for custom quote
Two+
Includes
All 6 modules + group work + planning+ handouts
About this Format
Bring the program directly to your school or facility for a full day of immersive professional learning. This option engages your whole staff in shared training, providing consistent tools and strategies across your community. The day includes a balance of presentations, interactive activities, group reflection, and discussion. Staff will leave with shared language, concrete tools, and a stronger capacity to walk alongside grieving students with confidence and care.
Note: For groups over 30, a second facilitator is included to ensure high-quality engagement, breakout support, and effective facilitation.
Meet the Instructor, Steven J. Karaiskos, PhD
Psychologist, educator, and specialist in grief and loss, supporting learners of all ages through healing and growth.
-
Over 20 years of experience educating in independent, public, international schools, and universities
-
Director of Postvention & Community Programs at The Kita Center
-
Expert in social-emotional learning, grief, and loss, with a specialization in suicide bereavement and prevention
-
Former Senior Director of Education at Samaritans, Inc., leading suicide prevention and grief support organization
-
Former elementary classroom teacher, blending educational insight with psychological expertise
-
Facilitates peer support grief groups for teens and twentysomethings
-
Suicide loss survivor, integrating research and lived experience to foster emotionally safe and hopeful communities