Navigating Grief in the Classroom:
Learning through Loss
The Kita Center’s Navigating Grief in the Class program helps educators, caregivers, and anyone who supports youth respond to loss with compassion and steadiness. Through practical, adaptable tools rooted in dignity and emotional literacy, it fosters safe spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
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.
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
Choose the format that works best for your group
Format
Scheduled virtual sessions with live facilitation
Participants
Cost Per Person
1-10
$500
11-25
$450
26+
Contact for custom quote
Note: Optional add-on: 1-hour private follow-up Q&A for your team: $250
Includes
All 6 modules + live reflection + handouts
About this Format
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This interactive option combines structured learning with live facilitation by Steven and opportunities for connection with peers. Over seven sessions, participants will gain practical strategies, explore case studies, and reflect together.
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Participants will leave with handouts, reflection activities, and strategies that can be used right away, plus the benefit of a supportive learning community. There will also be closing connections, application, and reflections to apply learning, deepen practice, and share insights with peers.
Meet the Instructor, Steven J. Karaiskos, PhD
Psychologist, educator, and specialist in grief and loss, supporting learners of all ages through healing and growth.
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Over 20 years of experience educating in independent, public, international schools, and universities
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Clinical Director at The Kita Center
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Expert in social-emotional learning, grief, and loss, with a specialization in suicide bereavement and prevention
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Former Senior Director of Education at Samaritans, Inc., leading suicide prevention and grief support organization
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Former elementary classroom teacher, blending educational insight with psychological expertise
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Facilitates peer support grief groups for teens and twentysomethings
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Suicide loss survivor, integrating research and lived experience to foster emotionally safe and hopeful communities