In light of the sudden outcry for the (potentially) premature return to school by people who are ‘newly’ concerned about youth mental health...
I’ll echo the thoughts of many friends/colleagues when I say:
“Where were you before now?”
I’m reminded of a student...
I’ll echo the thoughts of many friends/colleagues when I say:
“Where were you before now?”
I’m reminded of a student...
...of mine from earlier in my career. She struggled with mental health issues and often flirted with suicide. In addition to reporting the situation (as my job required), there were a number of occasions where I counselled her, and encouraged her to ‘stay with us’...
...and to keep moving forward. I specifically remember telling her that the world was a better place with her in it.
Thankfully, she did ‘stay’, and is now married with kids of her own.
Her story is a happy one. But I’ve also witnessed students (too many)...
Thankfully, she did ‘stay’, and is now married with kids of her own.
Her story is a happy one. But I’ve also witnessed students (too many)...
...who lost those battles...for one reason or another.... depression, anxiety, addiction, bullying, abuse, etc.
I even spent a few years teaching in a juvenile detention facility. Sadly, It was a dumping ground for the neglected and forgotten kids...including a 14 yr old girl..
I even spent a few years teaching in a juvenile detention facility. Sadly, It was a dumping ground for the neglected and forgotten kids...including a 14 yr old girl..
...struggling with addiction and who had already undergone two abortions.
I remember many of the kids I taught....kids with 1 or 2 credits to their name; kids who actually committed crimes because ‘jail’ was preferable to living at home or on the streets....
I remember many of the kids I taught....kids with 1 or 2 credits to their name; kids who actually committed crimes because ‘jail’ was preferable to living at home or on the streets....
...and kids who were repeatedly bounced from jail cell to courtrooms only to have their cases remanded time and time again because the system was ‘too busy’ to look after their needs.
But what I DO NOT remember is an outpouring of concern for youth mental health...
But what I DO NOT remember is an outpouring of concern for youth mental health...
...from the same people who are now advocating for school reopening because ‘it’s good for the kids’...in fact, quite the opposite.
So forgive us if we’re questioning your motives. Forgive us if your intentions sound less than genuine.
No, education isn’t perfect....
So forgive us if we’re questioning your motives. Forgive us if your intentions sound less than genuine.
No, education isn’t perfect....
But the vast majority of educators have always been in it for the kids. Often, they/we are their only advocates.
Can the people who are now shedding light on youth mental health sincerely say the same??
#onted #onpoli #cdnpoli
Can the people who are now shedding light on youth mental health sincerely say the same??
#onted #onpoli #cdnpoli
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