The training program titled “Teaching with Heart and Culture: Support Mechanisms for Mental Wellness” is designed to strengthen teachers’ competencies in promoting learner well-being through socio-emotional learning (SEL) and culture-responsive pedagogy. Recognizing the increasing challenges learners face—including stress, anxiety, socio-cultural pressures, and academic demands—this training aims to empower teachers with practical approaches that foster emotionally safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environments.

The program is structured into four comprehensive sessions that progressively build teachers’ capacity to understand, design, and apply mental wellness support mechanisms in their teaching practice. Session 1 focuses on establishing foundational knowledge on mental wellness and the SEL framework, enabling teachers to identify learners’ socio-emotional needs. Session 2 guides participants in developing concrete classroom strategies and support systems that enhance learner resilience and emotional regulation. Session 3 emphasizes integrating culture-sensitive practices, helping teachers contextualize SEL activities by incorporating local traditions, values, and community contexts to strengthen learners' identity and engagement. The final session leads participants in synthesizing their learning through a Workplace Application Plan, ensuring that the competencies gained translate into meaningful classroom implementation.

Aligned with key strands of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), this training supports teachers in deepening their understanding of learner diversity, creating inclusive learning environments, and engaging in continuous professional development. Ultimately, the program seeks to nurture teachers who are not only academically competent but also empathetic, culturally grounded, and responsive to their learners' holistic needs.