Blog #4: Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is something which I did not know much about. Researching it obviously made me sad… seeing how it can impact so many women at an especially difficult and challenging transition in their lives. It was surprising to me that it can cause lack of interest in their own baby… but the mind and body do bizarre things sometimes. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for women to have a baby, let alone have to deal with the mental challenges after. It is understandable that this can happen, and it is important that we help those struggling. While this would not be common among students, we as educators still need to be prepared to help in case it does happen. This would be more common among other teachers having children, and we need to be there to support them as well.

References:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, November 24). Postpartum depression. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623

 

Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

 

YouTube. (2022, June 29). Postpartum depression explained: Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment | mass general Brigham. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj1Vk3q-4tg

Cyberbullying: Blog #3

Here is the link to my VLOG: https://flip.com/s/c6GnjquKdMfy

References:

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2022, December 13). Get Help Now. StopBullying.gov. https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now

 

Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it. UNICEF. (n.d.). https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying

 

Oh, E. W. (2023, May 23). Teachers’ essential guide to cyberbullying prevention. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-cyberbullying-prevention

 

YouTube. (2020, October 9). Telus | Dark Cloud: The high cost of cyberbullying. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrnoElVEUTA

 

Navigating School Violence As A Future High School Teacher

This image is simple, yet it is correct. There is no place at all for school violence and it needs to be avoided completely.

While on my journey to become a high school teacher, the issue of school violence is on my mind from time to time. It is a terrible issue which needs to be addressed. While watching the documentary “Bowling for Columbine”, I was reminded of the devastating impact that acts of violence can have within the school setting. The film delves into the culture of guns and violence in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic Columbine High School massacre in 1999. It sparked thoughts and reflection on my end for how I, as a future educator, can navigate and address this critical issue within my classroom (Moore, 2002).

As I mentioned before, I see myself working with students in high school. They are in a pivotal stage in their lives where they are dealing with many challenges and transitions on a daily basis. As I prepare to enter this environment, I am making sure I am aware of the potential implications of school violence on both my students and myself. The article statistics state that 57% of students are worried about a shooting happening at their school (Graf, 2018). This is not the only concern. There are also instances of bullying and fights which are issues as well. 20 % of students reported bullying being seen on school property in the past year (CDC, 2021). These instances and the nervousness they cause serve as a reminder of the harsh realities that students and educators may face daily.

As I contemplate the impact of school violence on my future role as a teacher, many emotions come to me. Firstly, there is a large sense of responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of my students. The safety of my students will always be my number one priority, and I am committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where they feel secure and valued. Along with this, comes a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability as I think about possibly having to deal with encountering violence within my classroom. The thought of navigating such challenging situations is scary, but I am determined to have the necessary skills and strategies to deal with them. 

In my own research, I was able to find some helpful tips from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Creating a safe and supportive school climate, encouraging student responsibility, and implementing security measures are crucial steps in preventing school violence (NASP, 2024). With my future in education, I realize how important it is to have open communication with my students and establish trust based relationships in the hope that they report potential problems. It is just as important for me to stay informed about crisis plans and emergency response procedures, as well as engage in regular preparedness drills to make sure my class is ready for any dangerous events. It is important to be prepared for the worst, even if we hope it doesn’t happen. 

To wrap up, the issue of school violence is a sad reality that I must confront as I prepare to enter the field of education. While the thought of navigating through these challenges may be daunting, I am determined to approach them with empathy, resilience, and commitment to the safety of my students. Through the proactive measures I have studied and a collaborative approach with other educators, parents, and the community, I am very confident we can create a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.

 

 

Citations: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 2). Fast fact: Preventing school violence |violence prevention|injury Center|CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/fastfact.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fviolenceprevention%2Fyouthviolence%2Fschoolviolence%2Findex.html#print 

 

Graf, N. (2018, April 18). A majority of U.S. teens fear a shooting could happen at their school, and most parents share their concern. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/04/18/a-majority-of-u-s-teens-fear-a-shooting-could-happen-at-their-school-and-most-parents-share-their-concern/ 

 

Michael Moore & Jeff Gibbs. (2002) BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE. Canada/Germany/USA.

 

School violence prevention. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). (n.d.). https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/school-violence-prevention

Post 1: Embracing Gender Diversity – Fostering Inclusive School Environments

The following image shows how all people no matter who they are and how they identify, should make efforts to get along and create an inclusive environment.

In Module Three, I was able to gain a much better understanding of gender diversity, exploring the complexities of gender identity, expression, and their profound impacts on individuals within educational settings. While navigating this critical issue, a clear connection becomes apparent between various forms of identity and oppression. 

The Laramie Project serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the challenges faced by individuals navigating gender diversity. Through the lens of this film, we witness the tragic consequences of societal attitudes towards gender and sexual orientation. It shows the importance of fostering environments where all individuals feel respected and accepted for their authentic selves, regardless of their gender identity or expression. 

Also, insights from sources such as the Trevor Project shed light on the harsh realities faced by transgender and nonbinary youth (Trevor Project, 2023). The statistics provided by the Trevor Project emphasize the critical role of affirming environments in mitigating the risk of suicide and promoting overall well-being among gender-diverse individuals. These findings display the urgent need for schools to prioritize creating safe and supportive spaces for all students. 

Expanding on our understanding of gender diversity, the article “Students Exploring Gender Identity” offers valuable insights into the aspects of gender identity and expression (APA, 2021). By defining key terms such as transgender, non-binary, and cisgender, the article lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of gender diversity within educational contexts. Understanding these concepts is essential for educators to create inclusive learning environments that affirm and validate the identities of all students. 

Furthermore, the article I found on gender development highlights the natural progression of gender identity formation in children and the role educators play in supporting healthy gender development (Nduagbo, 2020). By acknowledging and respecting diverse gender identities, educators can empower students to embrace their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or judgment. 

Building on this, it’s clear that schools have significant influence in shaping perceptions and attitudes towards gender diversity. Schools must actively work towards dismantling gender stereotypes and fostering inclusive environments where all students feel valued and respected.

To address the challenges associated with gender diversity in schools, proactive measures must be taken. Administrators and educators should undergo training to identify and address their own biases, ensuring that all interactions with students are affirming and inclusive. Additionally, implementing written policies that explicitly support gender acceptance and inclusion can provide a framework for creating a more equitable learning environment. 

To wrap up, embracing gender diversity in schools is not only a moral imperative but also essential for promoting the well-being and academic success of all students. By fostering inclusive environments where diverse gender identities are celebrated and respected, schools can empower students to thrive as their authentic selves. 

 

APA Citations:

 

How gender disparities affect classroom learning. (2021, June 29). ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/how-gender-disparities-affect-classroom-learning

Students exploring gender identity. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/gender-identity

The Trevor Project. (n.d.). 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/