What is the educators guide?
Educators like you are uniquely positioned to influence students’ health and well-being. When talking about substance use, the conversations can be difficult, and not all educators feel comfortable or ready to have them. We designed the Understanding Substance Use Educators Guide and accompanying video modules as a way to increase your knowledge and to provide resources to get you ready and feel more confident to talk with youth about substance use.
The educators guide and the accompanying video modules have been developed for education professionals working with youth from Grades 6 to 12. This includes teachers, guidance counsellors, social workers, coaches, administrators and other staff who may benefit from these resources.
Using the guide will help educators like you understand substance use and provide you with the knowledge and tools to support your students and other educators. It has not been designed for classroom activities or to replace curriculum on these topics.
Watch the Understanding Substance Use Video Modules
Here are the five video modules in the Understanding Substance Use video series. The series covers the following topics:
- Understanding Substance Use
- Understanding Stigma
- Understanding Cannabis Vaping
- Understanding Alcohol
- Understanding Impaired Driving
Watch each module while using the Educator’s Guide as a supporting resource. The guide provides in-depth information on key concepts, exercises for self-reflection or group discussions, and resources for further reading.
The video modules and educators guide can be used for independent or small-group learning.
CCSA codeveloped the Understanding Substance Use video series and the accompanying Educator’s Guide with the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board to help educators learn about substance use.
