Affective training for teachers of psychotic children

A group inservice training program for teachers of psychotic children is described. Special emphasis is given to the teacher's emotional needs in dealing with these very difficult children. The training is designed to enhance mutual support and the acceptance of feelings associated with working with psychotic children. Teachers who worked alone or without the benefit of a supportive team responded most enthusiastically to the group training. All teachers felt their emotional needs for support, self-confidence, and acceptance were important factors in their functioning with their students and that the training met those needs.