RAP-T for Teachers

RAP-T (Resourceful Adolescent Program for Teachers) is an evidence-based professional learning program that helps educators strengthen school connectedness and support positive student wellbeing.

Research led by Professor Ian Shochet, alongside the work of leading scholars in adolescent development and wellbeing, has consistently shown that students who feel connected to their school are more likely to thrive and less likely to experience mental health difficulties. Positive relationships with teachers and peers play a critical role in creating this sense of belonging.

RAP-T translates these findings into practical strategies that help teachers foster positive relationships, create inclusive classroom environments and strengthen students’ sense of connection to school. By building on the strengths teachers already bring to their work, RAP-T helps amplify their impact on student wellbeing, resilience and engagement.

At a glance

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    Audience

    Teachers and school staff

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    Format

    3 professional learning sessions

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    Duration

    3 hours per session

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    Focus

    School connectedness and student wellbeing

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    Suitable for

    Primary and secondary schools

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    Evidence

    Research-based and evidence informed

Implementing the program

Unlike RAP-A and RAP-P, RAP-T does not require facilitator accreditation or specialised training to deliver.

The program has been designed so that schools can implement it using the provided resources, making it accessible and easy to embed within existing professional learning and wellbeing initiatives. RAP-T includes structured session materials, facilitator guidance and supporting resources that help schools explore the principles of school connectedness and apply them in practical ways.

RAP-T is typically facilitated by school counsellors, guidance officers, wellbeing leaders, and school psychologists who are passionate about helping teachers strengthen school connectedness and support positive student wellbeing.

Ongoing newsletters and refresher materials help reinforce key concepts and support schools to maintain momentum beyond the initial program delivery.

RAP-T supports teachers to deepen their understanding of school connectedness and strengthen the ways they already foster it in their classrooms. It focuses on building practical strategies across four key elements, captured in the WISE framework:

Program content

W - Warm relationships
Building positive, respectful and empathetic connections with students, grounded in an understanding of adolescent development. 

I - Inclusion
Creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and has a valued role within the school community. 

S – Strength focus
Recognising, encouraging and building on each student’s individual strengths. 

E – Equity and fairness
Promoting fairness, valuing diversity, and actively supporting all students to feel respected and included

People sitting at a wooden table, engaged in a discussion, with notebooks and pens in front of them.

RAP-T recognises the important role teacher wellbeing plays in building strong, connected school environments. The program explores how stress can impact a teacher’s ability to foster connection, and provides practical strategies to support wellbeing and resilience.

Sessions, key messages and aims in the Resourceful Adolescent Program (RAP-T)

  • Explores the concept of school connectedness and highlights the powerful impact teachers have on student wellbeing.

  • Focuses on recognising, understanding and managing stress, supporting teachers to maintain their own wellbeing.

  • Celebrates successes and explores practical ways to sustain and embed the program beyond the initial delivery.