I think there is always a level of the mental health profession when working with people. In a school setting especially. We are not only dealing in customer service, but we spend a lot of time with our students, and should be mindfull of the challenges and stress that they endure through these program. We must also be mindful of our own challenges as faculty and staff. often we have issues but don't the opportunity to deal with it, but we must make the time so that we can be there for our students.
School system needs to have comprehensive, multifaceted approaches to ensure that students have a caring and supportive place that maximize learning and well-being and strengthen students. As educators we are responsible for the total well-being of every student. We need to make ourselves intuitive of students need, make ourselves available, and make it known to every student that we are not only concern about their academic success but also to help address their physical and mental health concerns.
Definitely yes, education ties in with psycology. Whatever mentoring and guidance we can offter as an educator will surely help a student succeed.
Some career educators state that in addition to being in the education business, we are also in the "mental health" business. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
We are in the business of education. My opinion would be; if you think we are in the mental health business, you should not be in education. We are here to help in many ways, we sport many hats, we are professional facilitating education and all that it encompasses.
I definitely agree.
Students on our campus come here full of hope and plans, then life happens and things change. Unless students feel they are valued at the campus, they will give up.
You make an interesting point here, Leonard. We should not try to be "counselors" unless we are licensed to do so. We should be ready and willing "advisors" to out students both proactively when we see a need and reactively when students bring concerns to us. Sometimes those concerns require professional services. Good schools have found a way to link students with professional services either within their communities or via a contract with service providers.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I absolutely agree. As educators, we are not restricted to teaching lesson plans and just a curriculum. As we've learned the EduPreneurial Spirit means we are half educator and half entrepreneur.
In terms of being educators, we are teaching a curriculum and advancing the skills of our students. In addition, we are educating the students to believe and themselves and hoping to instill/promote in them good study/work habits.
In terms of being entrepreneurs, we are working hard to continue/better the organization at which we teach. We are also entrepreneurs for the students. We are investing in them with the lessons we teach for the betterment of their future.
Putting together all of these aspects practically puts us in the "mental health" business. We are encouraging, instilling positive thoughts and ideas, and attempting to better the lives of our students.
I agree. Many students who come to career schools need one on one attention and to feel like someone is rooting for them. They want to feel valued and we can provide them with that.
I think it is true that, as professional, we are part of the mental health business due to our everyday interactions with students who need our guidance as instructors and mentors and as people who may inspire them, coach them and assure them when other life influences (home life, etc.) are mentally dragging them down.
Benny,
Great post. Have you participated in programs from The Pacific Institute? Your beliefs seem to line up.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Amber,
One on one attention can come in many forms. What works best with your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We like to stand at the front desk and greet our students as they are coming to class and take that time to stop a student and talk to them for a couple minutes. This is a great way for us to get to know them better and make sure they are not having any problems we don't know about.
I agree, we have such a variety of students that come from all walks of life. We have the young students that never had a job yet and just graduated from highschool, to the older generation that is forced to find a new career due to the economy. As educators we have to help mentor and guide our students to reach their goals. Each student comes with their own challange and we are here to help them find the solution for success.
Nicole,
What do you find is the biggest difference between traditional age college students (18-22) and adult student (25+)?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes we are. There will be ups and downs for each student through out a course. They need to be able to count on your compassion, understanding, and help to make it to the end.
I absolutely agree. We are on the forefront with the students. Their lives are usually a primary thought when in school. We have to be able to recognize when that "mental" part of life starts to interfere with schooling. Then, we should be able to come to their level and help them work out their issues.
I do agree with this statement, without attention being given to the mental health of a student, the student will falter.
Amy,
What are the most effective ways that a teacher can demonstrate compassion and understanding?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Bryan,
What are the best ways to show attention?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree! As educators we are faced everyday not only with our own problems but also our students. It is our job to help our students through there problems and guide them on the right path. Sometimes this action helps students see that we are human beings and not just teachers.
