Written by The title of my post refers to many thoughts…
1. Is it just me or are you finding it a struggle to post, participate and keep on top of things?
2. Is it just me or are you exhausted right now with all your responsibilities, expectations and life both in school and outside of school?
3. Is it just me or are you ready for a break?
and my final one…
4. Is it just me or is social and emotional health everywhere in education!?
The more conversations I have with colleagues, with my students and with parents the conversation seems to be based upon or focussed on the foundation of social and emotional health. Whether it be about how a student is interacting on the playground, how a child responded behaviourally in a certain situation or how a family situation is impacting a child ability to focus at school.
From the time I can remember, I have always had a passion a deep need to help others. As a young girl, I struggled with many things- my emotions, my parents divorce, my cultural identity and many more. At the time, I felt as though I was the only one experiencing these issues and often felt consumed by my feelings. It wasn’t until my mom took the initiative to find someone I could talk to to help me cope through my adolescence. I thank my mom everyday for having the knowledge, the confidence and the resources to help me. I quickly developed a true love and respect for people who dedicated their lives to helping others. I began to have clarity in where my life was heading and what I wanted to be.
In university I did everything in my power to follow “my path” of becoming a psychologist. I wanted to help teens in crisis! But statistics got in the way and well….let’s just say, it was not my forte. So I followed the next closest path, sociology with a minor in psychology. It was in that first year that I met someone who opened my eyes to the idea of teaching. I began to see teaching as a way of helping others. I realized that by being a teacher I would be helping people on a daily basis so I followed that path which has led me to this point in my life. Throughout this path, I have found my niche, my forte and my passion. I am currently completing my Specialization in Guidance and Career Education.
Much of my focus as a teacher and a strong basis of my teaching philosophy is on helping students to develop social skills and human skills. Yes, curriculum is what holds us as teachers accountable and drives our teaching and student learning but if you ask me what is more important- a student being able to tell me who the municipal leaders are or being able to empathize with their friend who has just lost their family pet, I will choose the latter. We have a gift as a teacher to be able to socialize and support children as they develop character, emotions and understanding.
This hits hard today as the news depicts a suicide bomber who chose to target the most heavily tourist run meccas of the world- Istanbul. Istanbul also happens to have been my home for 6 years where I lived and taught, the place my husband is from, where my friends and family are, where I was just visiting over the Christmas break. Today, my old students were heading on a field trip to the target area just as the news hit. Speaking to my old teaching partner today, she went on to tell me that while the class reflected on what had happened, what they had luckily missed, one student in her class said…” I just don’t get terrorism Ms.E. Don’t they think about how sad their parents would be for them doing this?” ……. Powerful, isn’t it.
This student is fortunate to have to realization of how actions can impact others but many do not. I understand that the example I have provided is extreme in nature, but something is happening to the society we live in today. Never would a thought of terrorism have crossed my mind when I was in grade 5, but for grade 5 student in my class and around the world- this is their reality and they need support to help them work through their emotions, their thoughts and so much more.
This realization, this movement is why I have chosen to structure my Cohort 21 Action Plan on “How can we meet the social and emotional health and well-being of our students?”
More on this to come. Thank you for listening.
This is an incredible post Vanessa. I can’t imagine how this must feel for an attack to hit so close to home. I would check out @dneville http://cohort21.com/dannyneville/ and @aharding http://cohort21.com/allisonharding/ who focused on mindfulness and flourishing. I think the desire to help people is what drives many to teach and I’m really looking forward to hearing more about your #actionplan!
What you mention at the beginning of your blog are definitely symptoms of the “Cohort Effect”. We’ll be discussing some strategies at the next F2F at MaRS. You’re doing well, the level of reflection in this post is great and will lead you to trying something new. It’s exciting and if you need to lean on anyone, you can always reach out to C21 crew, facilitators and/or coaches. See you next week!
Thank you so much Derek! I really appreciate your support and your comments! I truly wonder how you all are so active all the time… in posting, in responding in everything! I have come to the conclusion that you must have super human powers. I hope that I will find mine soon 🙂
Thank you so much. Danny and I were teaching partners last year! He is such a great friend both professionally and personally. I have and will continue to look into Danny’s as a resource and source throughout this journey. Thank you for the suggestion.
Great Post Vanessa! Yes, Yes,Yes, Yes… but not just at school it seems like social and emotional health are everywhere. I loved the passion you put forth in your action plan and am excited to hear about your journey.
Thank you so much Melissa! I love the support and energy from your comment! I am feeling focussed and ready to take it on!
Vanessa, this is a very moving post. Wouldn’t this be a much better world if everyone was capable of reflecting on the consequences of their actions as clearly as this student did? I cannot think of a more important action plan focus than that of meeting the social emotional needs of students. A lofty goal for sure…
Jan, thank you for your support. I feel the same way, especially with the current news that we’ve seen just this week. I know that my action plan will take a lot of work and that it will most likely take me quite a bit of time to accomplish but I am motivated by something far greater than just completing my Cohort21 work. It is driven by passion and a real place of wanting to make a difference…. a positive difference and change, perhaps in the lives of even just a few students. Thank you Jan!
The Grade 5 student that you mentioned doesn’t yet have an action plan, but is struggling with many of the questions and issues you struggled with when you were growing up. I wonder if the difference between those who feel empowered and are working towards making a difference, and those who feel overwhelmed and withdraw, is an action plan?
I agree with you 100%, Vanessa! I think that the most important thing that we can do as teachers is to develop a trusting relationship with our students. Supporting their social emotional well-being is, in my opinion, more important than academics. Children learn when they feel safe, they flourish when they feel loved. Bravo to you for honouring that in your teaching practice!
Vanessa, the title of your post caught my eye..and then I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was written by my own colleague! Thank you for sharing this touching story. I was just recently reflecting on the social and emotional (and mental) health of those close to me. I am glad that there is greater awareness on this topic. @adybala2 is doing some great work with the students at the Upper School and jack.org (@jackdotorg) around mental health. The Diversity Club under @melodyprussell also has some great ideas.
Thank you for letting me know Vivienne! I am actually traveling to Ecuador with Melody for Round Square so I will definitely have to pick her brain about what great things she is doing. Thank you!