Workshop: Navigating Grief in the Classroom:
Learning through Loss
The Kita Center’s Navigating Grief in the Classroom workshop 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.
Book a consultation with the facilitator to learn more.
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
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.
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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