Monday, April 1, 2013

First Responders

Any veteran educator will tell you that teaching is not what it used to be.  I am often reminded of the changes in our society that have impacted our  schools.  Today, as our teaching and support staff participated in ALICE training, I was reminded of how much our lives have changed.  We speak of intruders in schools, and guns, and fatalities.  We talk security cameras, and first responders, and counter attacks. Through our training programs we realize that there is really little we can do that is fool-proof.  There is no "supply kit" or manual to help teachers prepare to physically save lives.  Some listen intently as police officers explain ways to take down an intruder, others shake their head in disbelief, and some can't even bear to watch the demonstration.

But I know that these staff members already use the best defense methods possible.  They develop relationships with kids.  They listen to children's frustrations.  They sit side by side with students.  In their classrooms on a daily basis they spend time modeling compassion and helpful behavior.  I believe this may be the best we can do.  By building positive, supportive relationships with students, we open the doors of communication.  Teachers who make their classrooms a place where students feel comfortable sharing information provide a venue for students to alert us of peers who may be thinking of harming themselves or others.  

Perhaps teachers really are the first responders, providing help and redirection to students who might otherwise get lost along the way.  As schools across the country implement new programs and train staff on ways to recognize and survive a violent situation, let us not forget the importance of the daily preventive work that is happening in classrooms and hallways and guidance offices.  In our efforts to implement common core and race to wherever it is we are going.....we must keep in mind that the most important work we do is taking time to build trusting relationships with students.  

Take Care & Encourage the Heart,
Darla Grace
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousApril 8, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    I was at a conference on Friday where several educators and authors were describing the teachers who they felt had the most influence on their current success/achievement. Without exception these highly accomplished individuals described teachers who built relationships and supported them in moving along the learning continuum. Not one talked about content or even specific skills they were taught by these individuals. They spoke of teachers who recognized their needs, talents and individual personalities and helped to nurture and develop a love of learning based on where they were, rather then where they needed to be at that point in their educational experience. Perhaps as a nation we will eventually make the connection socially and emotionally healthy students and caring, productive adults.

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Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Take care & Encourage the Heart....Darla