Thank you for joining us! I am Mandy Froehlich, Director of Innovation and Technology in Wisconsin and Author of The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning. Please tell us who you are and where you're from! #EduAR
Thank you for joining us! I am Mandy Froehlich, Director of Innovation and Technology in Wisconsin and Author of The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning. Please tell us who you are and where you're from! #EduAR
A1 I have learned that behavior has meaning. It is a form of communication. I've also learned that when you don't feel safe it is almost impossible to learn. #EduAR
A disengaged student does not necessarily mean they don’t care about their success- they just may not have the strength to show it at that point in time. #EduAR
#EduAR A1 I will no longer run away from the hard times, or waste time trying to avoid them! We can’t avoid life, so I’ve learned to jump in, cry, cuss, pray a lot, & move forward. Repeat.
A1: #EduAR I have many, but in education, it was a principal who called me into her office to let me know what a failure I was a teacher and how she felt so sorry for the kids in my classroom. She sucked, but I think her for lighting a fire that hasn't stopped burning.
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A1: My story has lead me to be hypervigilant when I walk into a room. Therefore, I was always able to read my students and my classroom climate quickly in the morning to determine how I was going to best be able to meet their needs. #eduar
A1 I have such empathy, compassion, and love for students who are struggling to fit in or feel inadequate, because I allowed others to make me feel that way as a young person. I try never to miss an opportunity to say, “I see you, you matter to me, and you are enough!” #EduAR
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A1: Empathy. Sometimes a kid comes to school and learning is the absolute last thing on their mind, but they hide it with other behaviors. Even the kids that you would assume have a great home life. Same goes for fellow educators. #EduAR
A2: #EduAR I don't know if it's STS but I had a student who would hit himself, throw desks, hide in cry in corners. For a couple of months all I could focus on what helping him, to the point that I couldn't sleep, I would stare at the TV while thinking of him. I felt lost.
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A2 I have felt emotionally detached from teaching, and I've found in working with teachers that that seems to be a large factor in why they become disengaged from the profession. So important to recognize so we can head it off at the pass. #eduar
A1b I learned, as an adult, how difficult it is to heal, so I am determined to educate educators so we can teach students the process of healing! #eduAR
A2. Recognizing the different behaviors can make or break how you respond to a kid. It gives you an opportunity to respond in the best way possible. #EduAR
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A1: Empathy. Sometimes a kid comes to school and learning is the absolute last thing on their mind, but they hide it with other behaviors. Even the kids that you would assume have a great home life. Same goes for fellow educators. #EduAR
A1: Post Traumatic Growth is both a painful and beautiful human process. There are many teaching strengths that have come from traumatic experiences in my life; namely hope, vulnerability, strength and resilience. #EduAR
A2: I think teachers so often take the emotional strains of their students home and it perpetuates itself to the point of detracting from your own family life. It is hard to balance your happiness with someone else’s sorrow. #EduAR
Yes. Never assume that a "good kid" doesn't have issues at home. That just might be their safe place and coping mechanism. Not that we should assume that every house isn't a safe place, but every situation does need it's own separate attention. #EduAR
A2: It's important to recognise these symptoms in ourselves as self-care is the first step in caring for others. Whilst recognising it in others means you can support them within your own boundaries.#EduAR
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A2 We must know the symptoms so we can become aware. When we are aware of the symptoms in ourselves and others we can take the necessary actions to support each other or be mindful of our emotions and how to regulate those emotions. #eduAR
A3: On one hand, I can model resilience. On the other hand, students disproportionately more often than colleagues have asked me if I'm okay after a bad day - they try to reciprocate the support I provide them. #eduAR
A3: #EduAR I have a 9 yr son who battles with depression, so I have many mornings when I have to cry in the car, regroup myself, set my feelings aside, and smile. Some days are easier than others, but these kiddos have their own worries, they don't need mine.
A3: So often teachers feel the need to wear a mask to hide their true emotions while on the “stage” known as their classroom and performing in front of their “audience” of students and colleagues. #EduAR
The wonder that lead to my book was actually what happens when a teacher who has PTSD or their own trauma situation then works with students with trauma. Is it trauma squared? Or does it give the teacher a different type of toolbox? #EduAR
#EduAR A3 it’s weird bc I can go to work and not obsess about Home stuff but find the opposite to be a real problem. Sometimes I wonder if it’s bc I’m still trying to prove myself as a professional....
A3: If we have strong connections and relationships with our Ss & Ts then they will inevitably be impacted if we are going thru any kind of struggle. If we are not our best, we cannot give our best and it's a difficult balance to maintain. Empathy is the key here. #EduAR
I never thought about this before, but maybe that's why students talk to me about literally everything. There might be an unspoken bond when people have experienced similar traumas. #eduAR
A3: I haven't been very good at sharing my struggles with colleagues, but this year's #oneword {vulnerability} has pushed me to take more chances, to share more, to say enough, even, when the load gets too heavy to bear. #eduAR#togetherwearebetter
Could be. I have often said that I connect quickly and deeply to people who have had traumatic experiences even before they've told me they've had one. Must be something in our auras :) #EduAR
A4: The stigma is real. Teachers should be all smiles - like big balls of sunshine - all the time. God forbid we need help, too. I was once turned away by a school psychologist because I wasn't a student. #eduAR
It's so important to create those connections BEFORE you need them. Then they're there already established. My friends know me so well they can sometimes see my issues rising before I even know. They hold me up when I can't do it for myself. #EduAR
A3 Sometimes we just have to be real with our kids. Life is not perfect for anybody&when we model struggle with humility,honesty, & grace,we are teaching one of the most important lessons of all. There are just some things that can’t be left in the car. #EduAR
A4: I get adjusted regularly, diffuse essential oils, and discuss problems with my family because they know me, my dreams and aspirations better than anyone! #EduAR
A4: I turn to the people in my life who can relate and empathize with my circumstances in the moment to help me reflect and to guide me toward the next best step in my journey. #EduAR
A3 Refer to list below to see all the ways struggles affect our work. Educators want to have all the answers, but the power is in NOT having all the answers. It is hard to admit any type of mental illness bc many believe u can just get over it. Can u just get over cancer? #eduAR
Q2: Secondary Traumatic Stress is when someone, like a teacher, works with others who have trauma behaviors and develops symptoms of PTSD because of it. Why is it important to recognize these symptoms in yourself and others? Those symptoms are: #EduAR
A4: Practicing #mindfulness has helped me so much when uncomfortable feelings start to settle into my head and my heart. I blogged some of my ideas here: https://t.co/zGdwLkOwn9#eduAR
Interesting post. We are expected to "turn off" depression at the same time we are expected to absorb the depression of others. What can schools do to make it easier? #eduAR
A3: personal struggles affect us in the classroom so much! While we’re trying to “fake it”, I think our kids can tell because we’re not ourself. For colleagues, I tend to isolate myself more than usual-super unhealthy! #EduAR
A4: #EduAR I am a very honest and open person. I talk to my fellow team members and they are so supportive. They know how hard some days are and they will go the extra mile for me. Without them, I don't think I could make it. Support is essential.
A4: Prayer and centering helps. I also find doing something - random or planned- for another helps reboot; promote self-awareness (gives me gratitude for where things are, what I have) #EduAR
A4 I’m really grateful for a team of teachers that allow me to vent, decompress, and even cry without judging. I count on their support and encouragement when I hit overload, and I love returning the favor. We are family, and that mean everything! #EduAR
A5: I am, always have been, always will be the kind of person who just needs to talk it out. I find comfort in sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly so that it is not only living inside of my own mind and heart. #EduAR
A4 I blog in order to create "headspace". Even though my blogs are not personal, they do allow me to move some things out of my head and allow me to create room for dealing with other issues. I also have a very strong support system that keeps me going. #eduar
A5: #EduAR Read and cuddle time with my kids. There are days when I just lay there with them while they watch whatever on the tv. Just laying with them brings me peace and relaxation.
A5: Self-care is paramount so we can take care of others. Read, journal, immerse myself in nature, hikes, photo play, bullet journal, sketchnote, spend quality time with family and friends. 'Me time' is really important to self-regulate and cater for my emotional needs. #EduAR
A4a The first step is knowing the signs and having a trusted person that knows you well so you can say, "I'm feeling anxious. Can you tell? Have I seemed overly emotional lately?" The second step is knowing what strategies work. #eduAR
A4: I get my JAM time. Jesus and me in the morning helps me set my focus and keeps my eyes focused on the target that matters most. The word shows me where my priorities need to be. Makes me a better husband, dad, educator, friend. #eduAR
A4: I get my JAM time. Jesus and me in the morning helps me set my focus and keeps my eyes focused on the target that matters most. The word shows me where my priorities need to be. Makes me a better husband, dad, educator, friend. #eduAR
YES. My kids are older and don't cuddle as much, but I do have an adorable pup that will hug me whenever I need it (and sometimes smother me). :) #EduAR
A5 Long walks and long baths with lots of bubbles and relaxing music! I pray and trust God with the good, the bad, and the ugly, because He calls me, He equips me, and He sustains me through it all! So grateful for His constant presence in my life. #EduAR
Yes yes yes! Strategies are so important and I'm not sure if enough people take the time to find out what works for them. My number one strategy for my anxiety is eating, which I'm trying to move down my strategy list because the scale told me I had to. lol #EduAR
A5: @RebeccaCoda and I have meetings a few times each week to review and prioritize our work so we do not get overloaded or taken away from our central mission. If we have to say no to something, we will and that's ok. #pushboundedu#eduAR
A4b My go to strategies include:
1. breathing exercise 2. name the facts- I feel scared but I am safe. 3. Journal 4. Make sure I am getting enough sleep 5. Name what I see- I am sitting in a chair. I see a door. #EduAR
A5 Long walks and long baths with lots of bubbles and relaxing music! I pray and trust God with the good, the bad, and the ugly, because He calls me, He equips me, and He sustains me through it all! So grateful for His constant presence in my life. #EduAR
A6: we can empower Ts to take off the mask that hides their true self and feel comfortable and confident to share their own personal challenges. If Ss knew they weren’t alone- imagine the dialog that could open up! #EduAR
A6: I think it takes vulnerability and trust. When I mention to people that I struggled with and was hospitalized for an eating disorder in college, I get varying reactions. But I know it's part of my story and it makes me a better counselor. #eduAR
A6 We have to be open and honest with each other, and build cultures of trust and safety so that there is no fear or shame in sharing struggles. It takes a village to survive this life and we are the village. #EduAR
A5: Seems counterintuitive to plan for self-renewal time but in my househould a MUST. Iʻm needing to take care of health or emotions pay a price too. Keeping a gratitude journal has been a gift. Gratitude is an INTENTIONAL practice. #EduAR
After two days of conference and learning...this is me! Great chat tonight everyone! Thanks @froehlichm for hosting! Got your book on the list for this summer! #EduAR
A5: Seems counterintuitive to plan for self-renewal time but in my househould a MUST. Iʻm needing to take care of health or emotions pay a price too. Keeping a gratitude journal has been a gift. Gratitude is an INTENTIONAL practice. #EduAR
I had a similar experience recently when I told someone about my depression. Sometimes it still shocks me that people don't quite get it and feel like there is something not right about it. #EduAR
A6 #EduAr following your blog @froehlichm has opened my eyes to many things I’ve done that have probably made it harder for those around me struggling with depression or anxiety. I’m trying to be a better listener, not a fixer.
Thank you for joining #EduAR! I think it was a really awesome discussion tonight and I learned SO much! Appreciate everyone's thoughts! Have a great night!
A6 It takes transparency but it has been used against during one of my most difficult times. "Escaping the School Leader's Dunk Tank" by @RickJetter and @RebeccaCoda helped me to overcome and learn that other people's beliefs and actions are about them not me. #eduAR
A6: This is hard, because we are supposed to "talk about it", but not with our students unless it's hypothetical and not about us. Would love to hear what others think/have tried. #eduAR
