The field of education often overlooks the crucial and complex subjects of loss, death, and grief. Addressing these topics presents educators with challenging questions about the most effective ways to introduce and manage discussions surrounding them. The sensitive nature of these subjects, combined with societal taboos, cultural beliefs, and parental apprehensions, often relegates conversations about them to peripheral discussions rather than central curricular themes.

Recent research highlights the necessity to shine light on the need of incorporating death education as an integral part of schooling, emphasizing that conversations around death ultimately are discussions about life. The inclusion of death education could have the potential to help the whole educational community (students, parents, teachers, and staff) navigate the complexities of life with greater resilience and understanding. Despite significant strides, a structured approach to integrating these life experiences into the education system remains in early stages, necessitating further exploration and study.

This Research Topic aims to explore and establish educational frameworks and best practices for incorporating discussions of loss, death, grief, and bereavement within educational settings. By emphasizing the importance of confronting these challenging themes, it seeks to destigmatize them and empower educators to navigate them confidently. The ultimate objective is to transform the current educational landscape to be more inclusive and supportive, fostering a community that is prepared to engage with these topics openly and constructively. By examining current research and methodologies, we also aim to underline the necessity of structural changes that facilitate such conversations in schools.

To gather further insights, this Research Topic welcomes diverse approaches across educational stages, mental health, and complex illness scenarios. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Beliefs of education professionals regarding grief and death;
• Collective grief;
• Curriculum integration;
• Emotional education;
• Hospital pedagogy & Palliative care;
• Inclusion of students with complex illnesses;
• Interventions with parents, educators, students, or staff;
• Pedagogy of death;
• Psychosocial support for teachers;
• Support groups in educational settings;
• Teacher training initiatives.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Navigating Loss and Grief within Educational Environments