In this thought-provoking book study, educators will explore The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. This book examines how well-intentioned cultural shifts—such as an emphasis on emotional safety and the avoidance of discomfort—may be unintentionally harming students’ resilience, critical thinking, and mental well-being. This book study is ideal for teachers, administrators, and educational professionals who are interested in fostering resilience, critical thinking, and healthy discourse in their students.

Required Text:

• How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze the Impact of "The Three Great Untruths" – Understand how the concepts of fragility, emotional reasoning, and the battle of good vs. evil influence student behavior, learning, and resilience.
• Promote Cognitive Behavioral Strategies – Apply principles from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help students develop resilience, critical thinking, and emotional regulation in the face of challenges.
• Encourage Healthy Debate and Free Inquiry – Foster an educational environment that values diverse perspectives, open discussions, and the ability to engage with controversial topics in a constructive manner.
• Recognize the Consequences of Overprotection – Identify ways in which overprotective parenting and institutional policies contribute to student anxiety, lack of independence, and diminished problem-solving skills.
• Develop Strategies to Cultivate Student Resilience – Implement classroom and school-wide practices that encourage healthy risk-taking, constructive conflict resolution, and the development of grit and perseverance.