I agree. I believe that as educators we are also shrinks. Those of us who want to see our students succeed and truly have a drive to get them there want to be able to provide the support that they need.
With that support comes their confidence knowing that someone is in their corner. It also helps keep them in school because they know what we will be calling and talking to them if they miss a day.
Lindy,
What does your school do to help students successfully develop coping skills and other mental health issues?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think mental health plays a huge role in someone's education. Our students usually have many issues emotionally and this can cause students to not focus and not be able to be receptive to their education.
As a career educator we wear many different hats, we are a teacher, a tour guide, standup comedian, life coach… the list goes on and on. So yes I agree that there are time when working with students that I have felt that I am dealing with a subject that has nothing to do with my training or the class I am teaching. I strongly believe that a good instructor sees a classroom of individuals rather than empty boxes that need to be filled with the information from their class.
I certainly agree with that. When we accept students into our curriculums we are accepting a whole person - which means they are bringing their lives, expectations, struggles and strengths as well as doubts and fears into their program. I believe it is our job to help every student to create balance in their lives and to be there to encourage them as they transition from the student to the professional through our programs.
I would agree with this, customer service as a whole is very much a mental health business due to the fact that many of peoples situations that we encounter stem from peoples emotions. Dealing with these personal factors can be very mentally health based, and often a delicate situation.
We absolutly are, Many students come to us for advice and guidance. Often feeling more comfortable speeking to a teacher than a family member or sometimes even a counselor.
Anthony,
How do you balance your concern for students' personal challenges with their academic responsibilities?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I absolutely agree we are in more than just a business. I am always monitoring students with there emotional issues. One is weather they have bitten off more than they can chew. how they can manage there day.
Juwana,
I was taught that you have really reached students when they come to you with things you really wish they would not have told you.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I totally agree. There are times when I feel like I'm the teacher, Mother and psychiatrist to my students. I have been there to listen and to be that shoulder to cry on when they felt they had no one else to turn to.
I would agree because you deal with so many student emotions and issues on a daily basis to help that student succeed.
I totally agree with educators being a key part in a student's mental health. Our job should be to keep their minds focused on the positive aspects of life and their goals. If I see that something is bothering them about an assignment, it may be a number of things: are they ill? could they not understand what you lectured? is their mind pre-occupied on a personal issue? All of these mental factors effect a student's mental health and will keep them from focusing on their vision.
David,
We need to be careful to provide "advising" to students and to refer students who need "counseling" to professionals in that field. Some career schools have contracted with counseling services on behalf of their students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Shannon,
The hang up here may be definitions. In my experience, many students' "mental issues" are based on a lack of self-esteem or on past academic challenges. Providing a strong, supportive environment can address these issues.
Jeffrey Schillinger
As educators, we also monitor the mental health of our students. Students who are not mentally stable will not do well in school therefore will not help our business of educating. Sometimes all it takes to help a student's mental health is talking to them about the situation that is affecting them.
I'd disagree with the statement that we are also in the mental health business. First and foremost, I'm not a qualified or credentialed health care professional so making that determination is something I'm not qualified to do. Additionally, I feel that the above saying implies that our students suffer from a negative health issue and I don't agree with that assessment or evaluation. I personally feel that all of our students have the ability to complete which ever academic programs they choose to take regardless of previous social, emotional, economical, geographical and/or demographical barriers. I think so often our students just lack confidence and support and who, at one time or another, hasn't experienced the exact same thing. Ultimately, I feel by providing a positive, proactive environment mixed with a customer oriented philosophy that, that culture can promote individuals to profound success.
Tomoko,
Some individuals may believe that teachers who bring their personal lives into the classroom seem more approachable than teachers who are strictly business. How might you respond to someone with this perspective?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Agree. I have experienced how my "suggestions" does affect them deeper than just regular conversation with other people. Definitely for me their class performance is a gage to their mental state. Beginning of class I do state to not bring personal issues in class/future work environment but I do try my best to mentor and guide them to reach their goal in very careful manner.
Eric ,
This is a good summary of our students and on whet they often need from us. We need to remember we are asking our students to do something quite difficult. Thank you for sharing.
Jeffrey Schillinger
