Important focus of education
We often hear teachers talking about the challenges of supporting every student for success. I don’t think anyone disagrees that this is our priority. It is clear that it takes qualified teachers who know pedagogy as well as skills and an understanding of child development, whatever the age. In addition, understanding the emotional needs of students is a critical piece of educating students.
During the last two phases of the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) we spent time on how to address and support teachers needs. If we can’t, and don’t, take care of our teachers they can’t give each student the best opportunity to earn.
The 2019 Nebraska Teach of the Year, Sydney Jensen, provided a heartfelt TED Talk on exactly that topic. It’s called How can we support the emotional well-being of teachers?”
In this eye-opening talk, educator Sydney Jensen explores how teachers are at risk of “secondary trauma” — the idea that they absorb the emotional weight of their students’ experiences — and shows how schools can get creative in supporting everyone’s mental health and wellness.
I suggest you take the time to watch this (more than once) and share the link with your principals, colleagues and community members.
me arts ed 