We can't underestimate the impact that grief and trauma have on academic performance.

Ever feel like you've flown too close to the sun?

For probably the first time since I started teaching, I am refreshed and ready to return to the classroom.

Anyone else get new responsibilities over the summer?

It feels good to hear. It feels better to say it and mean it.

There is no "getting back to normal." There is no "moving on." Moving forward is what we are all called to do after tragedy.

You wanted the teacher slice of life stuff? The real about the life of a teacher? Here it is. Laundry talk.

There are only so many hours in a day. Even with more, it wouldn't be enough. 

Do you ever regret the path you've chosen?

Unsupervised teenagers are mischievous. Sometimes they are cruel.

Anyone else ever feel really angry sometimes and have no idea why?

Have you ever found yourself smiling while listening to student complaints?

More action less substance in my opinion. Still as solid episode and a deeper dive into the impact of loss on the young mind. There's some teacher stuff at the end if you've already seen it or don't care. ***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Just because it feels like school is your entire life doesn't mean it's the only think you have to talk about.

If you find that you are always angry, crying, struggling, or sad, talk to someone instead of feeling that way forever.

​This year, social and emotional health emerged as one of the most important new focuses surrounding our students in DISD. With the new focus on Pre K recently, it’s clear that we are now moving toward thinking about and educating the whole child over time instead of just the student from year to year.

Kids aren’t machines. They are people that think, feel, learn, cry, laugh, and everything in between. A 10th grader that can’t read didn’t become that way in the summer after 9th grade, they never learned when they were where? PRE K.

The thanks for this goes several people, but I want to make sure I mention Alan Cohen. He has done a fantastic job since joining the district and I believe he is making huge strides in trying to improve how we educate our kids. 

Follow us on Facebook; Twitter; iTunes; Soundcloud; Stitcher

Related Articles:
Mental Health Week Rundown
Empathizing with Dallas Student Anxiety
Dallas Student Testing Anxiety
Why Dallas Student Emotions Matter
Rethink Dallas Student Failure
​Rethink what success means for the benefit of Dallas students
Dallas Student Social and Emotional Health
Stop making excuses for Dallas Student Behavior
When DISD Students Breakdown
Why "Back in my day" Hurts Dallas Education
Keeping Secrets for DISD Students
It's OK for DISD Teachers to Cry
​
Top Ten Positive and Negative Moments in Dallas Education 2015

​Positive 04: Social and Emotional Health
Positive 05: Trustees Stop By                                 Negative 05: Student Mother Kicked Out
Positive 06: Supportive Principal                           Negative 06: A Bad Spot Observation
Positive 07: Department Chair Respect               Negative 07: Principals Lying
Positive 08: DISD Student Has Her Baby            Negative 08: Parent thinks their child is stupid
Positive 09: Thanked by a Parent                         Negative 09: Blamed for a DISD Student Fight
Positive 10. Alex Hales and Retired Teacher     Negative 10. Promising DISD Student Gets Pregnant

Mental Health may as well be magic or wizardry to most people. As much science and evidence that's out there about the reality and importance of the human mind, we stilldon't take itseriously. Even when something terriblehappens, we tend to genralize and treat thsoe people as outliers, call them crazy, and move on without doing anything different.

Mental Health Week is an opportunity to realize that the mind matters. As it relates to education,it can be the difference between an A and and F for students. It can be the difference between a teacher that makes a true change in a students life and a teacher that shows up with liquor in their coffee. You have to takecare of your students and take care of yourself.

Mental Health Matters.

Student Mental Health:

Empathizing with Dallas Student Anxiety
Dallas Student Testing Anxiety
Why Dallas Student Emotions Matter
Rethink Dallas Student Failure
​Rethink what success means for the benefit of Dallas students
Dallas Student Social and Emotional Health
Stop making excuses for Dallas Student Behavior
When DISD Students Breakdown
Why "Back in my day" Hurts Dallas Education
Keeping Secrets for DISD Students

Teacher Mental Health:

It's OK for DISD Teachers to Cry
DISD Teacher Tears Joy
DISD Teacher Tears Overwhelmed
DISD Teacher Tears Hopelessness
DISD Teacher Tears Frustration
Giving up on your students
Shake off those long teacher nights
​Taking school home
Make time for yourself
Waking up and Dragging in
​New Teacher Trashcan

In case you missed it:

DISD and Dallas Education Rundown - December Week 2

Follow us on Twitter; iTunes; Soundcloud; Stitcher;  Facebook

The Dallas Education Blog Store