Hi!

Throughout the semester, we focused on many different critical issues that can affect students’ learning experiences. As a future special education teacher, being aware of these issues is important to understand students and the challenges they may face. I want to create a classroom culture that prioritizes the overall well-being and mental health of my students. I believe social-emotional learning/mindfulness is the most critical issue, and in the vlog I discuss this more.

https://molloy.instructuremedia.com/embed/da35871b-c69e-4291-98df-5a30fe8a0e33

Bye!

As soon as I walked into a Bellmore-Merrick school board meeting, I saw the families, student representatives, and administrators all come together to work on making schools better. This made me feel welcomed and part of something special.

I noticed how cohesively the board worked together and how everyone was involved with the community concerns. There wasn’t one person leading; everyone was working towards ensuring the school district’s educational goals were being prioritized and that families were being heard. This relates to the topics explored in this class like homelessness and school violence because these are huge issues and strong community involvement is needed to resolve them. Policies targeted to student success like improving student attendance and engagement were discussed.

Part of being a teacher is building relationships. This means fostering connections with families, other teachers, and the community. The parents are very important in this case: they know their children the most. Learning their names and sending positive messages are just some of the helpful things teachers can do to grow closer to parents (Aguilar, 2011). The articles and the videos made me realize there can be barriers to reaching families. One video discussed how not all families speak English, so there are ways of navigating that by using bilingual staff or translators, for example (Breiseth, 2021). By keeping contact with the parents and ensuring they are actively involved in their children’s education, students will feel more supported. This will increase their love for learning and even improve graduation rates (Borovoy, 2012). The second video was insightful because teachers should be familiar with how families like to communicate and what time they prefer (Vestal’s 21st Century Classroom, 2021). This can even build trust between the teacher and family.

(Veiga, 2020) Picture of families at a school board meeting.

I plan to communicate with the families by using different apps like Remind to message them about student progress, meetings, upcoming events they should attend, and more. Sticking to one tool is important because it can be overwhelming to use too many platforms. I would make sure I know the best way to contact families by giving communication logs for them to fill out.

As a future special education teacher, building a relationship with families early on is paramount for setting goals for the child and understanding the child more. Some of the things I would do are updating them often on student progress or making a class website where important information and resources will be posted.

Calling parents to give them a positive phone call can mean so much. It shows that the teacher is paying attention to that child. And it’s more personal than receiving an email or a message. The key word here is positive because I would not want parents to associate a call with “bad” news. Keeping a log of when I had a conversation with them can be useful (Stephanie, 2014).
Lastly, promoting school wide events serves well because parents can show up to the baseball games, musicals, etc, and get more involved.

References

Vestal’s 21st Centory Classroom (2021, August 22).  9 Ways to Communicate with Parents for Teachers // INCREASE parent communication! YouTube. https://youtu.be/8aHJkRXgbcE

Breiseth, L. (2021, August). Communicating with ELL Families: 10 Strategies for Schools. National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/communicating-ell-families-10-strategies

Borovoy, A.E. (2012, November 2). 5-Minute Film Festival: Parent-Teacher Partnerships. Edutopia.https://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-parent-teacher-partnerships

Stephanie. “6 Ways to Keep Parents “in the Know” – Mrs. D’s Corner.” Mrs. D’s Corner, 25 July 2014, www.mrsdscorner.com/6-ways-keep-parents-in-know/.

(Shutterstock)

The focus of this blog is that we are living in an advanced, technology-driven world, where capturing moments on our phone has become more normalized than actually living in those moments. For example, when you go to concerts and sports games, I am sure the majority of people have their phones out and they will probably post on social media.

Social media and technology in general should help students’ lives, not take over their lives. I believe that social media is destroying society, but since it is not going away, we must teach students how to use it responsibly. I like how one article said “Have a plan, not a ban,” because students need to be aware of what they are using (Klein, 2019).

Social media is an everyday tool for many students, but there are dangers when it comes to posting – and when a young person posts something inappropriate it can resurface when they’re older and affect job opportunities, college admissions, and more. Moreover, it is crucial that students are prevented from becoming addicted to social media. Social media is like a game you keep playing by posting more and more or by scrolling endlessly, in hopes for many views, which ultimately becomes a distraction. The film and the articles helped me realize the many harmful consequences of social media.

Effects of Using Social Media

Social media “conditions” people to think that the number of likes and views they receive is equal to status, validation, and admiration. Children particularly are “investing in a symbolic world that has abandoned reality.” (Willet, 2019) I found this statement from the film really powerful. What we see on social media, especially on Instagram, of people smiling with perfect complexions who are always going out is usually far from the truth. Filters and editing can make someone look 10 times better. From this, comparisons start and children often develop insecurities because they want to mirror what they see online.

Additionally, research published in the journal BMC Psychology concluded that social media use is connected to a higher risk of depression in females. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram have been found to “accelerate and exacerbate” the rise of mental health issues in teenagers (Langreo, 2023).

This raises the question of should schools impose a ban or limit phone usage. While it is important for students to have their phones for communication, social media can be a huge distraction for students and shortens their attention span. I don’t think phones should be banned, but I understand why teachers may want students to put their phones on a wall. Ultimately, the film and the articles set this serious and quite depressing mood that yes, social media is a useful tool, but it is just as debilitating.

What to do

Students must learn how to use social media responsibly and not get addicted to it. Excessive use of it can negatively impact academic performance and mental health.

Working at a daycare has greatly changed my perspective on social media and technology. The daycare center emphasizes not letting the kids watch YouTube on the work tablets. Initially, I thought the tablets were used to distract the kids when they were fussy, but instead, we redirect their attention elsewhere. Going 8 hours without using technology and simply interacting with the kids has made me realize that technology should be no more than a tool. I realize that through their play, and when we read books to them, the kids are learning, and even better, they can see the world the way they want to, without the lenses of others.

My philosophy professor here at Molloy said something that stuck with me connecting to this blog. He said years ago he would have to shush the class because everyone would talk to each other, but today he doesn’t have to because everyone uses their phone. Although Covid -19 has a role in the decline of face to face conversation, the effects of social media are still clear.

As a future educator and as someone who uses social media, I realize technology’s value in schools, such as to increase education, connection with others, and even help students with disabilities. But I also will give students tips, such as setting time limits on apps and practicing mindfulness (University of Utah, 2023).

References

Willett, R. (Director). (2019). Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed. [YouTube Video]. Brick in the Wall Media

Klein, A. (2019, September 6). Schools say no to cell phones. But is it a smart move? Education Week. Link

Langreo, L.  — (2023, October 16). Cellphones Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, say Educators. Education Weekhttps://www.edweek.org/leadership/cellphone-bans-can-ease-students-stress-and-anxiety-educators-say/2023/10

Tips for Healthy Social Media Use: For Parents and Teens. (2023, January 20). University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/01/tips-healthy-social-media-use-parents-and-teens

Introduction
Addiction and substance abuse are ongoing, evolving problems. Many high school students and elementary students especially are either not exposed to or do not discuss addiction. The topic of addiction can seem unfamiliar. It is crucial for students to be aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and to understand how to help someone who is struggling or overdosing. Fortunately, teachers -who as we know play a critical role in children’s development and learning- can use lesson plans like “Understanding an Overdose and How to Respond to One” to educate students https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/understanding-an-overdose-and-how-to-respond-to-one

(Credit: kieferpix, 2018)

Body
Students experiencing addiction may feel alone in the dark, like the girl in the picture. The lesson plan equips students with the proper skills needed to identify if someone is experiencing an overdose, as witnessing one is a reality they can face. There are many strengths to this lesson plan, such as that in the beginning, it addresses that there may be students who have been exposed to substance abuse or overdoses, maybe by a family member or friend, so it is important to proceed the lesson with sensitivity. Another strength is that there is a brief discussion on if teachers have been exposed as well which can make it a difficult lesson to cover, but through the lesson plans like this one, there is an opportunity to learn and work through these hard conversations (NIDA, 2024).

I really like how this lesson plan dived into why people may use opioids , as opioids have a purpose and can AND SHOULD be used safely if prescribed. The lesson plan does a wonderful job at gathering the information student’s already know. For example, students are asked why opioids may be prescribed (answers include after surgery or to treat an injury). They are informed not to abuse illegal drugs. Students are also prompted to acknowledge the signs of an opioid overdose, and this is great because it opens the door to hearing real student stories and deep conversations (NIDA, 2024). One weakness of the lesson plan would be that it did not emphasize the numerous resources available to students to use. Another weakness is that students’ diverse cultures were not taken into consideration. In some cultures, drinking alcohol or using substances could be normalized, making them more accessible to those students.

Conclusion
If I were to use the lesson in my own classroom, I would inform students that there are verbal and non verbal symptoms of an overdose, and I would remind them that we never know what someone else is going through, so it is crucial to be kind and helpful to others.

Given that school students attend parties and many social events, which can expose them to a different world – a world full of vodka, vaping, peer pressure, and more- this topic is essential for teachers to discuss. I believe this discussion is so important because addiction is known to be a ‘silent struggle’ and students may not even think they are struggling with addiction because they may use it for pleasure or because their family drinks alcohol/uses drugs, but addiction is a real and serious issue.

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, October 24). Understanding an overdose and how to respond to one. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/understanding-an-overdose-and-how-to-respond-to-one

https://molloy.instructuremedia.com/embed/ccca1c2a-08d6-4061-bea6-7c4eeb508520

References

Long, R. (director/ producer). (2012) Room To Breathe [film]. ZAP Zoetrope Aubry Productions.

Social Emotional Learning (2022, November 14). New York State Department of Education. https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/sel

Schwartz, K. (2019). Nine ways to ensure your mindfulness teaching is trauma informed. KQED Mindshift. Link

Blueprint for improved results for students with disabilities. (n.d.). https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/blueprint-students-disabilities-special-education.pdf

Introduction

Have you ever felt invisible? Like you’re living life with a dark cloak on, unnoticed by others? You watch people pass by, hear their laughter, see their smiles- but no one comes to you to get to know you, to know your story.

For people living in homelessness, they often feel invisible; forgotten; lonely; scared. These words describe how Roque felt in the film “The homestretch.” He would stay in Ms. Rivera’s house when he needed help. His parent’s had abandoned him, and although he claimed to “be his own parent”, he was a child. He needed guidance, and at the very least, a place to stay (De Mare et al., 2014).

I think it was incredibly generous of Ms. Rivera to help take care of Roque. She saw him as more than just a student; she saw him as a person. She got to know Roque and his story. Most people don’t establish close relationships with others in Roque’s situation, but homeless people matter like anyone else.

According to Mckinney-Vento Act, Roque was considered homeless as he suffered a loss of housing and before he stayed with Ms. Rivera, he was constantly moving because of his dad. With this act that was signed in 1987, he has access to free public education, transportation, and the right to start school without all his documents. This is critical because homeless students face challenges regarding enrollment and transportation. (NYSED.gov, 2021)

The issue of homelessness

Still, homelessness is a BIG problem. More than one million students (in US public schools) suffered homelessness during the 2020-2021 school year. Hispanic, Black, and White students had the highest percentages of students experiencing homelessness (Hispanics at 39%), but students of all races/ethnicities experienced homelessness. (nche.ed.gov, 2022). These sources and the film demonstrate the need for more representation and support for homeless students.

The song “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran captures the reality of homelessness. With lyrics like “White lips, pale face” and “Closed eye and hoping’ for a better life”, the song tells the story of a girl who was homeless and her life was falling apart. She was a prostitute, doing anything to make a living. The music video is intentional as it is black and white, depicting the depressing life of the homeless. This song/music video connects with the readings and the film as they all highlight the injustices and struggles homeless people face, including personal challenges, which are often overlooked.

At the end of the music video we see the girl turn to cocaine. Substance abuse is a common issue that students can face as a means to homelessness and poverty. We heard another student, Kasey,  in the film discuss her emotional instability and her smoking habits. She smokes to calm down. But as we all know, smoking is harmful (De Mare et al., 2014),

What we can do

Kasey’s homelessness, and the homelessness of others, does not define her. As Dr. Barnes said in the film, it is a situation, not a definition (De Mare et al, 2014).

Everyone deserves a home. Everyone needs a home. A place where they can be themselves and be nourished. Sometimes, a person can feel like home. As future educators we can inspire hope in students and help them believe in themselves. While this topic and this blog seems melancholy, there are ways we can help students succeed, such as providing support and kindness.

photo by Matt Collamer

As a future educator, I believe helping students doesn’t stop in the classroom. I would embrace the motto of living “outward bound,” a phrase I heard in church (though I wouldn’t use it in a religious context). It means to serve others and stay engaged with the outside world. It is important to realize that students are affected by challenges outside the classroom, but we can help them overcome them.

References

Mc-Kinney Vento Homeless Education. (2021). New York State Education Department. http://www.nysed.gov/essa/mckinney-vento-homeless-education

De Mare, A., Kelly, K., & Taber, K. (Producers), & De Mare, A., & Kelly, K. (Directors). (2014). The homestretch [Streaming video]. United States: Bullfrog Films.

National Center for Homeless Education. (2022).  Student Homelessness in America School Years 2018-19 to 2020-21.  Student Homelessness in America (ed.gov)

Take a moment to reflect on your elementary school and high school experiences. What was the first thing that came into your mind? For many, looking back on their school experiences brings a flood of emotions and the memories of hardships they faced. While it’s common to remember test scores and homework assignments, people also tend to remember how this one teacher treated them or how alone they felt moving to a new school. This shows that students’ mental health plays a huge role in their learning. For students with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), managing uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive compulsions is not easy. I learned through this assignment that signs of OCD are shown in students but often in disguise and therefore OCD is often underdiagnosed. I also learned that helping students manage their emotions is important. Even if a child passes every test, if they cannot effectively handle their stress and prioritize mental health, that will affect them in life.

Mental Health Issues EDU2650 Spring 2025 Class Slide Show

References

Sullivan, S. (2024, April 8). OCD in adolescent and children: Signs and treatment. Bright Path Adolescent Mental Health. https://www.brightpathbh.com/ocd-in-adolescent-and-                       children/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20International%20OCD,the%20United%20States%2C%20have%2 0OCD

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

Every Child, Inc. (2021a). Obsessive compulsive disorder teacher toolbox: Every child, inc.: Pennsylvania. ECI.

https://www.everychildinc.org/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-teacher-toolbox

NAMI California. (2020, April 24). Tips for those living with OCD. https://namica.org/blog/tips-for-those-

 ocd/#:~:text=Regular%20exercise%2C%20eating%20a%20healthy,you%20feel%20worse%20over%20ti

https://molloy.instructuremedia.com/embed/abcae5b5-2981-4638-be66-228118fc630b

This is the link for this week’s vlog.

References

Dupej, H. & Embry, M. (2020). Dark cloud: The high cost of cyberbullying. TELUS Wise.

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

Joshua, C. (2025, January 8). Key cyberbullying statistics for 2025. Key Cyberbullying Statistics for 2024. https://www.avast.com/c-cyberbullying-statistics#:~:text=The%20mental%20health%20toll%20is,often%20leaves%20victims%20feeling%20hurt.

Tips for Teachers: Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying. (2021, May 21). stopbullying.gov. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/tips-for-teachers

Miller, 2018

Imagine you are an ant. I know how this sounds. But imagine you are a tiny, delicate ant. There are many ants like you — together, you form a colony. Everyday, you and the colony go about your routine and you eat, play, and learn together. And you feel safe, and so does your mother ant as she takes you to spend time with the other ants everyday. But one day, a huge sparrow comes and takes that sense of security. The sparrow takes the lives of innocent ants. Any dreams and hopes they had are gone. Stripped away. The rest of your life you remember this incident, replaying it in your head. How does this scenario make you feel? Angry? Sad? Scared?

This scenario is a simple view of the impact of school violence. Today, there are many “sparrows” who have taken the lives of children and destroyed the safety of schools. Just this past year, there were more than 70 people killed or hurt in a school shooting (Kim & Lieberman, 2024). Guns have become a means of killing students, more than protecting people. In Michigan if you are over 18, have passed a background check, and have a permit, you can buy a handgun (Moore, 2002). One student in the film Bowling for Columbine shared how he was expelled for pulling out a gun on a student. What he did was terrible.

Imagine you send your child(ren) to school, and they never come home. That is heartbreaking to consider.

While educators are often seen as “loco parentis”, or like a parent, because they seem to have similar duties as parents for the students, educators cannot be blamed for school violence. So who is responsible?

How does School Violence happen 

There is not one cause of school violence. But believe it or not, it can stem from the school climate. The planning of school shootings can happen because a person feels that they need to regain their self esteem because maybe they were bullied in school or had a difficult childhood. The person may feel misunderstood or like an outcast from their peers or teachers. One of my favorite shows, One Tree Hill, has an episode that captures the intense nature of school shootings in a powerful, realistic way. In the show, Jimmy did not have many friends. He was barely known by people he shared classes with for years. He was teased for his weight and awkwardness. Just when high school was ending, he started having feelings of violence and rage. But before he attacked the school, he publicly made a comment about how everyone sucked and were “fake.”

Studies show that ”school shooters “leak” their intentions, sharing or hinting at plans before they attack” (Blad, 2024). We must remind students that they are not alone, and we must listen to them.

I use this example because I think the song they used in the background when Jimmy attacked the school is amazing. It’s ”God bless the child” by Michelle Featherstone and it’s about giving children strength (from God suggests the title) so they can overcome their anxieties and “bruises.” This song and the scene from One Tree Hill connect to the film Bowling for Columbine’s themes of wanting to explore the dark side of society and create change. Children these days are struggling with hatred and polarization. In the film Moore hopes to discover why Americans direct to violence and the song hopes to stop children from letting their fears and anger take over.

I found the story in Bowling for Columbine of the 1st grader who folded paper to resemble a gun pointing it to their classmates saying “pow pow” very disturbing to hear. What would give a 1st grader this idea? This was surprising to me because I did not think this way in the first grade and can’t imagine a 1st grader thinking this way. I also thought the very beginning of the film was surprising when Moore easily bought a gun at a bank.

Put an End to School Violence 

The fact that dress codes can help prevent school violence is interesting as I did not know before that dress codes played a part in school violence (Moore, 2002). Other ways to prevent school violence would be to talk about violence. Sometimes, issues are not talked about enough. The book “Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters” actually discusses the massacre at Columbine like the film does and discusses how taking preventative measures is vital in regards to school violence.

The aftermath of school violence affected the people throughout the rest of One Tree Hill’s seasons and the Columbine community as the emotions after school violence do linger. Students may behave differently to cope with what has happened.

As future educators we have the power and responsibility to be there for students. Educators may see themselves as these small, un-influential people who just lead a classroom. But think of stars — they appear small from a distance, but in reality, they are huge and powerful. As future educators we can use education as a tool (not a weapon) to promote change. I want to work with elementary kids. Knowing that an act of school violence can happen and my students can be killed is a frightening thought. Issues of school violence can make the students, and even myself scared to come to school. But by providing a space for students to talk and learn, students will feel more safe and included.

References

Blad, E. (2024, September 20). A Surge of Violent School Threats Creates a Communication  Crisis for Districts. Education Week Reimagining School Safety. https://canvas.molloy.edu/courses/37917/files/4282131?wrap=1

Bowling for Columbine

Lieberman , M. L., & Kim, H.-Y. (2025, January 22). School shootings in 2024: How many and where. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-shootings-this-year-how-many-and-where/2024/01

What are your pronouns? This is a question asked during job interviews, in schools, and on social media all over the world. Teachers and business workers have even started to put their pronouns at the end of emails and use them when introducing themselves. In 2022, gender-neutral pronouns were on the rise, with “one-quarter of Americans said they knew at least one person who uses them” (Ballard, 2022). Pronouns are a way for people to say how they would like to be addressed so others do not misgender them. It is vital to consider students’ pronouns and the other ways they wish to be identified. Pronouns are becoming a common protocol, and there has been an “increase in reported gender nonconformity among young people,” (Zimmerman, 2023). Yet, many students face hardships like bullying and physical abuse due to expressing their gender identity. How atrocious. That’s absurd. Understanding the importance of gender diversity will go a long way to prevent and stop such hate. 

Laramie Project

Let’s start with the Laramie Project. The Laramie Project explores the murder of Matt Shephard. Matt Shephard was a 22 year old college student in Wyoming. In the documentary, the people who lived in his town said he was kind and considerate. He cared about human rights. Matt wanted more than anything to feel like he belonged in his community, so he joined the LGBTQ+ club in his school (Kaufman, 2022). He was openly gay; however, there were many people who were afraid to be their authentic selves because of the dire harassment and bigotry members of the LGBTQ+ community would receive. One day, he was at a bar, and these two guys approached him. They convinced Matt to leave the bar with them, and that’s when things went south. They discriminated against and shamed Matt. More explicitly, he was tied down to a fence, unable to use his arms and legs as they assaulted and killed him. Then, they left him there to die. Why? (because they’re horrible people, yes) Matt Shepard was targeted because of his identity. What makes his murder even more disturbing is that his offenders were young kids. Kids who were probably not educated in school about topics like sexual orientation and inclusion. I’m grateful my high school touched upon hate crimes in history class. I remember learning about the Laramie Project in 10th grade, and they had us write poems about it. The picture is the poem I wrote.

(Antoine, 2022)

 Take this personal story of psychologist Kevin Nadal about the hate he was exposed to as a child. He constantly heard anti-gay comments and dealt with microaggressions. He felt unable to speak to his teachers about it, as he feared judgment and felt hopeless. This environment was toxic; it made it awfully “difficult for him to accept his own gay identity” (Nadal, 2014). 

Bring Change 

But why should teachers even bother understanding and discussing things like proper pronoun use, inclusion, and equality? Shouldn’t they just stick to the curriculum? Who really cares about gender diversity, right? It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus. WRONG. (I wish I could insert the red buzzer sound they use in game shows here) I learned from these articles and the documentary that we can help even one student feel like they belong by “modeling inclusive language” and “being aware of biases” (APA, 2021). When we respect and encourage students, they will want to be the best they can be. As future educators, we can bring about change. We can challenge stereotypes and show students the many possibilities of their being.

For the record, I care. I care as a future educator. I want my students to feel safe and accepted. In an environment where students are supported, they are more likely to learn more and flourish. 

References

Students Exploring Gender Identity (2021, October). American Psychological Association.https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/gender-identity

Kaufman, M. (Director). (2002). The laramie project [film]. Good Machine, HBO Films.

Zimmerman, A. (2023, November 17). NYC Education Department releases First Count of Nonbinary and gender expansive students. Chalkbeat. https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2023/7/25/23807269/nonbinary-gender-expansive-students-nyc-school-enrollment-data/

Journalist, J. B. (2022, August 2). How Americans feel about gender-neutral pronouns in 2022. YouGov. https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/43310-how-americans-gender-neutral-pronouns-2022-poll 

Administrator. (2014b, March 4). Stop saying “that’s so gay!”: 6 types of microaggressions that harm LGBTQ people. Psychology Benefits Society. https://psychologybenefits.org/2014/02/07/anti-lgbt-microaggressions/