RESST Program
1. What is RESST?

Regulating Emotions and Stress for pre-Service Teachers
Program Development
The development of the RESST program was informed by:

A needs assessment
A needs assessment with pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and other relevant professionals nationwide

A review of the literature
A literature review of existing programs

Consultations with partners
Consultations with partner universities nationally and internationally
A PROGRAM TO BENEFIT BOTH PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS AND THEIR STUDENTS

RESST is a program to enhance pre-service teachers’ well-being and resilience to stress, as well as that of their students

RESST has been rigorously evaluated and has demonstrated efficacy with pre-service teachers at McGill University (at both the elementary and secondary levels)

The digital program will be shared with teacher training programs across Canada starting in the fall of 2023!
2. RESST Program Aims
1
To enhance pre-service teachers’ well-being by providing them with evidence-based strategies to help build resilience and protect against the effects of stress in the teaching profession
2
To teach strategies for both pre-service teachers and their students, so that they can be practiced together in the classroom
3. RESST Program Overview
Program length: 5 hours total, divided into 4 sessions
Content includes...

Sharing of evidence-based knowledge around stress management

In-session and at-home practice of strategies for personal use and for use in the classroom

Video clips of interviews with in-service teachers discussing relevant topics

Application of strategies learned to real case scenarios
(both personal and classroom scenarios)
4. RESST Topics

Teacher
Resilience
Showing ourselves the kindness and consideration that we readily show loved ones and others
Becoming aware of different aspects of oneself as a teacher
Self-
Compassion
Self-
Awareness
Self-
Connectedness
The perceived sense of relatedness or connection to others
Paying attention to our present moment experience on purpose and with nonjudgmental acceptance
Mindfulness
Emotion Regulation
The process by which we manage the experience and expression of our emotions
5. RESST Research Evidence
RESST has been rigorously evaluated at McGill University. Following program attendance, pre-service teachers reported...
Increased...
Positive affect
Well-being
Coping self-efficacy
Teacher self-efficacy
Mindfulness
Decreased...
Negative affect
Perceived stress
Anxiety
Full reference: Böke, B. N., Petrovic, J., Zito, S., Sadowski, I., Carsley, D., Rodger, S., & Heath, N. L. (2023). Two for one: Effectiveness of a mandatory personal and classroom stress management program for pre-service teachers. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Now Available as D-RESST!
Offered in a standalone, digital format for the first time ever!

Compatible with most learning management software (LMS)

Program is self-paced, with automatic completion tracking

Available in both English and French, with female and male narration options
Call-to-Action
The digital RESST program will be available to share with teacher preparation programs across Canada beginning in the fall of 2023!
It will be offered at no cost to the first 20 teacher preparation programs who enroll.
For all inquiries, please email the RESST project coordinators:
or
You may also contact Dr. Nancy Heath at nancy.heath@mcgill.ca


