There is no doubt that we deal with people who do have real mental and emotional health issues. I do not deceive myself into believing I can help students with these issues.
I would describe secondary education workers as being in the soul health business; not from a religious standpoint, but from a human standpoint. Many of our students have lived broken lives which they are striving to improve, and the impact of modeling professionalism, compassion and commitment to these people should not go under-estimated. Higher education workers should know they are examples to students and fellow workers at all times and embrace that responsibility.
In many cases, we are the support system for these students, as well as their fellow students. Seeing them graduate and begin their professional lives is of tremendous consequence to their soul health.
Absolutely! When reading some of the papers for the assignments that focus on home life, career, preparation for jobs, etc., it is clear that these students have so many personal issues that they are deadling with which keeps them from succeeding. I have found myself encouraging students and cheering them on after a boyfriend or family member has discouraged or not supported them. Without being in the mental health business in addition to the education business, the retention rate would be very low.
Thanks,
Letitia Patterson
I agree that as educators we are also in the "mental health" business. When interacting with individuals it is an absolute that you will encounter some type of mental health issue. As an educator it is necessary to accurately identify with students and appropriately address mental problems as they arise. It is especially important if the student has mental health issues that affect their schooling to inform them of available resources on & off campus.
Mitchell,
Thanks for the post. Some campuses have contracted with outside, third party services to support students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I absolutely agree, in helping students become successful we have to help them through educational and personal issues. This is so apparent that our company has implemented a person on staff who deals with a variety of issues that may prevent a student from being successful while they are in school.
Mitch
I completely agree. I feel that in order to get the students to completely buy into what we are teaching them and really put in the hours and energy it takes to "learn" they have to be mentally and emotionally prepared and in a stable and safe place in their life. Without this, I find it impossible to teach effectively. The problem I find is determining where we draw the line of teaching and sitting in as an extended member of the family or being a counselor to our students.
Nick,
You are one of the few folks that disagree with this statement. What do you do when students bring life's issues to you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I disagree. I don't have the training for that business.
Shannon,
What are the most common obstacles you help your students overcome? What is your most common solution to that issue?
Jeffrey Schillinger
That is an accurate assesment. Not only are we responsible for helping our students learn, we also have to guide and influence them to want to be there. We must change behavorial patterns to help the student learn and be successful. Many of our students have the initiative to learn and want to be in class, however there are many that do not have these capabilities. This is not to say they are untrainable, they just need an influence in their lives to give them the motivation to learn. We are educators,coaches, mentors, and even sometimes a parental influence.
As a program director, I definitely wear a lot of hats. One day I'm a mentor, the next I'm a guidance counselor, then I may be a financial advisor. I feel it is my responsibility to be there for the students and guide them in aspects of their lives and education that they are struggling with. I use my experience and education to help students overcome obstacles every day.
Yes, I agree. We are counslers, mentors, educators, and listeners. There are many students that have difficult life challenges in their lifes. We may not be able to help all, but we can guide them to someone that can help.
Well put, Frances. Sometimes the greatest impact we can have on our students is through the way we treat them rather than the way we teach them.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Oh, yes I believe that. Some of these peoples lives are awful. And the fact thast they are trying to better their lives is amazing. So we need to be another Positive aspect in their lives, not a negative force! All components go together to create a whole being - mental, spiritual, emotional, physical. We, as educators, play a role in all of these factors.
I absolutely agree. A lot of my students are 1st year college students that are taking our automotive / diesel technology courses because they feel that they have a passion for it. Unfortunately, for some of the students, their passion came from watching unrealistic movies such as "The Fast and the Furious". We have to really concentrate on mentoring the student to keep their passion, but to also focus them on building a successful career with their education.This means keeping the student happy as a customer/individual while educating them in automotive and diesel repair, professionalism, appearence, cutomer service, strong work ethics,life altering decisions and so on. Making the right decisions in your work and personnal life will definately help in keeping you mentally healthy and happy.
David,
Celebrating accomplishments is a big deal. Thanks for pointing it out.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I totally agree. You have to be intuitive to students who are struggling, and try to determine is it a classroom issue or something else. Sometimes a simple "Hows it going, anything I can do to help" makes all the difference for them. Many times you can direct the student to a department that can help them with what ever problem they are experiencing if you can't yourself. Lets not forget to celebrate accomplishments also. Positive attitutes are contagious. YEA
Julie,
As educators, we often are asked for advise, We should give our best advise to students, but we should not try to be counselors.
Jeffrey Schillinger
i disagree. unless the instructor is a trained therapist, they shouldn't give out mental health advice. however, instructors should be aware of resources in their area to refer individuals who may be experiencing issues.
Thanks, Cordelia.
What do you mean by "not mentally there?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
