Camden Military Academy Faculty Engage in Notice. Talk. Act. Professional Development
At Camden Military Academy, the success of our cadets extends far beyond academics to include it their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. This fall, our faculty, staff, and teaching assistants participated in a powerful professional development session led by the American Psychological Association: Notice. Talk. Act.
Why APA Developed Notice. Talk. Act.
The APA created this program in response to the growing need for mental health awareness and support in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Too often, students experiencing stress, anxiety, or other emotional struggles go unnoticed until their challenges become overwhelming. APA recognized that educators are in a unique position who see students every day and often observe changes in behavior often before anyone else does.
The Notice. Talk. Act. framework gives teachers and staff the confidence to take the first step: noticing early warning signs, talking with compassion, and acting by connecting students with appropriate resources. The program reflects APA’s broader mission to promote mental health, reduce stigma, and empower communities to respond proactively rather than reactively. By equipping adults who regularly interact with young people, APA helps create school cultures where students feel seen, supported, and safe.
Building Awareness and Confidence
The training emphasized that awareness is the first step to support. Faculty learned how to observe small but significant shifts in behavior, appearance, or academic performance that could indicate stress or mental health challenges. Instead of dismissing these changes as temporary, CMA’s team now has tools to identify and interpret them as possible warning signs.
Practical Communication Strategies
Beyond noticing, the session focused heavily on how to engage students in meaningful, supportive conversations. Faculty and staff practiced ways to talk with empathy, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine care without judgment. APA designed these strategies to help educators listen first, rather than feel pressured to solve a student’s challenges on their own.
A Culture of Action and Care
Act reinforces the importance of guiding cadets toward appropriate resources. Teachers and staff aren’t expected to be mental health professionals, but they can serve as trusted adults who know when and how to refer students for further help. This action step strengthens Camden Military Academy’s culture of care and ensures that cadets don’t slip through the cracks when they need support most.
Commitment to Cadet Well-Being
As a military boarding school, Camden Military Academy is committed to developing not only strong students but also resilient young men who are supported during every stage of their growth. The Notice. Talk. Act. training provided our team with practical skills to carry out that mission with greater confidence.
By bringing this APA program to our campus, CMA affirms its dedication to building an environment where cadets feel valued and supported. With faculty and staff now trained in this proactive framework, our Academy continues to ensure that every young man in our care has the guidance he needs to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
RELATED: Faculty Training at Camden Military Academy, Our Beliefs – Camden Military Academy, Faculty: Notice. Talk. Act. – Camden Military Academy
