The topics that we have covered in the past week have been both hard to cover and eye-opening for me. After leaving class each day I feel deeply affected by what we had talked about in class for that day. I did not want to get too emotional about it, but sometimes it overwhelmed me to even look at some of the homes in Atchison while I am driving and think about the lives of the children who live there. Are they suffering? What is their life like? But the most important question I think I need to ask myself is "What can I do to help?" It is definitely not going to help me to dwell on these issues or internalize all of the sadness and helplessness that could result from a "heavy" subject or class period. From what we have talked about it is clear that there are solutions to each one of these issues that have to be dealt with on a daily basis. They are a reality and we are soon to be put into the reality of these children's lives; and WE ARE NOT HELPLESS!
One of the clear themes that has come from each class period is the importance of communication. I mainly want to talk about communication with the parents/ guardians. Like we have learned, many of the students in our classes will be coming from single family homes, parents who are divorced, or even students who live with neither their mother or father. Regardless of what the circumstance is for the child at home, it is essential to set up communication with each child's guardian. This communication should not just start when there appears to be a problem or big issue and should be established for each home, not just those who you know come from troubled homes. Positive relationships are key to prevent and do away with issues that will arise during the school year. The trust that can be built up with help for better communication for when a conflict does arise and hopefully things will go more smoothly. I was shocked to see on the video how many of the bullies had confided information to their parents about being bullied. Many of the parents did not take immediate action when their children would tell them about being bullied at school. Maybe they did not see it as a big deal. Just think of the difference that could have been made if a teacher would have been observant enough to notice the bullying that was going on and then talked to the parents about it. The parents may have realized then the severity of their child's situation and would take immediate action.
While we can't control what is going on at home, we can try and make the most safe and secure environment for our students at school. I like was Mr. Rueb said about the most important role of school is to "engage the students in learning." There are many opinions about what the most important role of school and teacher is, but I do think that this is good insight. If we are truly educators who are working in trying to get the best education and formation for our children, engaging them in the learning process, then we will do everything that we can to help them to be successful. This means that when evidence of child abuse, neglect, bullying or other things that will get in the way of this process are present, we will address them immediately. After meeting with my cooperating teacher she told me the most important thing is to love each student. I think these two goals of engaging to learn and loving go hand in hand.
Also, I found myself saying many times during class thinking about how important the role of the principal and administration is for a teacher. When we would discuss the warning signs of things such as abuse, a lot of times our conclusion would be to tell the principal. If there is any question to whether that bruise is from abuse or really is what the student says it is, let the principal know. This helps to end the helplessness that we may fall into. There are always other teachers and other principals who can support us in our effort to help our students. Also, once we tell the principal or report an incident, that weight can be taken off of us and we do not have to feel the heavy burden of the issue.
I like what was told to us in the panel today "There is only one Savior and as far as I know, you are not Him." This is so true. We are to do all that we can to provide for a loving and safe environment, but at the same time we cannot let ourselves feel helpless or like we are the only ones who can help.
ED460 Personal and Social Well Being is a course taken by college students in education during their student teaching semester. Topics covered include: poverty, child abuse, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, counselors' role in school, adolescents and choices, and the use of technology.
Liz, I may be as new to the teaching profession as you are, but I believe that your emphasis on communication is going to go a long way with keeping students and parents not only up-to-date, but aware and useful in seeking ways to address issues that may be arising in the school environment such as bullying. By effectively communicating with parents, you will better understand their children and show that you care about each student's well-being.
ReplyDeleteI also want to make note of what you said about contacting the principal and other administrators. It is true that although many of us are extroverted, "take charge" sort of people when it comes to handling our classes as authoritative figures, there will be times when we will need to ask for assistance or turn a situation over to someone else in order to best help a student and take the pressure of our ourselves. As one of the counselor's said in the panel, they get paid more, so make them work for it!
Reading post demonstrates how your emotional "connectedness" to your future students will influence your educational and personal goals for each of your students to ensure their success. I like your thoughts on communication and agree that as teachers we are obligated to build positive relationships with our students, especially those that are abused, bullied, and impoverished so that our students feel safe and welcomed in our classrooms.
ReplyDeleteWhile we want to help as many students as we can, I think it is important to note that we cannot save every child. While we should do what we can for as many as we can, we cannot feel guilty that we do not save the world. As you quoted "There is only one Savior..."
I know a lot of us have commented about the quote "There is only one Savior...," and I just wanted to say how glad I am that you brought it up, Liz. I loved that, too. I was actually surprised that a mentor at a public school would even mention Jesus at all, and I was excited to hear about it.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised about how the the bullied children in the video confided in their parents, too. I had this preconceived notion in my head that they always kept it locked up inside. I wonder if it has anything to do with grade levels. Elementary aged children tend to be more open than secondary students, I've found.
Ooh Liz I love your blog. There are so many things that I think are vital in it, I loved how you talked about communication. It seems like in so many cases people can look back and see signs of it happening, but no one had the courage to do anything. Liz I believe that you will and open communication has to be the way to do it. I think it is crucial in order to help any suffering student.
ReplyDeleteI also loved what you said about engaging the students in a learning environment and how if they are struggling with another thing then we have to address that as well! Ah, that is exactly what I wrote about, and I really do think that they won't be able to become engaged in a learning environment if they are struggling with bullies, poverty, or child abuse.
I also loved the last part, and we can only give what we have. A saint once said we have to be like a reservoir, not a channel, because in a channel we are ran dry, giving everything we have. Instead a reservoir pours out its overflow and continues pooring while still being filled. I really do think that unless we can stay filled and can keep our sanity then there is no way we'll be able to impact any lives this semester or ever.