Blog
Return on Investment
by Colletta Daniels
(October, 2018)
My favorite game to play was 'school'. As a six year old girl, leading a class of dolls, rocks or whatever I could find, I often imagined myself as a teacher. Well, I did not make the connection between child's play and my natural ability to be an effective teacher until much later. I chose a career in human services, but I soon realized the best use of my skill and the greatest potential for impact on children is teaching. I made the transition and plunged into the pool of Education.
I love the incredible progress that I witnessed first hand as a Special Educator. Teaching gives me the opportunity to guide students to learning and then see the return on my investment in their wholistic growth and development.
On the hardest days when I am frustrated, I remind myself that the growth I want to see in students comes with pangs, pressure and tears. On those days, I tell myself to embrace and enjoy the process every step of the way. So I stop everything, turn up the music and throw a little dance party to celebrate the small wins.
Need help with your return on investment into your students? Book a session today.
Mama, Give Yourself Grace
by Abigail Arthur
excerpt from abigailarthurwrites.com
(August 22, 2021)
As a new mother of a two-year-old, I learned to give myself grace in my day-to-day activities. As a do-it-yourself and a get-it-done kind of person, giving myself grace was a foreign concept. However, when the pressure of attempting to do several tasks, including laundry, cleaning, changing diapers, and the list goes on, became overwhelming, I realized that I needed to give myself grace. We can give ourselves grace...We no longer have to live by the "mom guilt" mentality of pressuring ourselves to be perfect.
So, what does grace look like? Giving yourself grace looks like washing the laundry on another day if you're unable to do it; it's reaching out for help when you need it, it's making time, and giving allowances for people you love and care about. Essentially, it is being kind to yourself and relying on God to help you in your calling as a mother. God is always gracious to us, so we should be gracious to ourselves, and in turn, we learn to be gracious to others.
Need support in understanding and meeting the needs of your child? Book a session today.
Bridging the Gap: Improving Collaboration Between Schools and Mental Health Partners
By Colletta Daniels (September 21, 2023)
To say that many students are struggling with their mental health is an understatement. We are in unprecedented times with unprecedented challenges related to the mental well-being of our youth. The need for a stronger alliance between educational institutions and mental health partners has never been more apparent. Modern life confronts students with myriad stressors, from academic pressures to social and emotional monsoons. To effectively address this, our students deserve a comprehensive support system that extends beyond the classroom. I believe there needs to be better collaboration and integration between schools and mental health partners.
Successful Models of Integration
Several successful models of integration between schools and mental health partners have emerged in recent years. For example, the "School-Based Mental Health Services" program in Pennsylvania has brought mental health professionals into schools, making services more accessible to students. Similarly, the "Wraparound Services" model in California coordinates community resources to support students with complex needs. Many smaller school districts have also moved to a model of individual and group therapeutic, behavioral intervention as in-school programming, much like art, music, or sports.
The urgent need for better integration and collaboration between schools and mental health partners is undeniable. Our students deserve a support system that addresses their mental well-being alongside their academic needs. By working together, schools and mental health professionals can provide early intervention, comprehensive care, and a stigma-free environment, ultimately helping students thrive in both their educational and personal lives. It's time to bridge the gap and prioritize the mental health of our future generations.
Professional Development
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Tennessee Department of Education 'Partners in Education' virtual Conference presentation (2021)