It’s nice to talk with my classmates about our thoughts and feelings going into teaching and see other sides of my cohort. I participated in the classroom management and mental health conversations. I am pretty passionate about both of these topics as well as having experienced and witnessed them both. The general consensus regarding mental health in the classroom was relationships – knowing your students and building trust with them will serve as your greatest tool in connecting with them.

I have witnessed experiences where students have suffered at school because a parent is suffering from mental health concerns and can’t get them to school. I have seen children so traumatized from what they have witnessed, learning can’t even take place. I have seen educators in tears because they feel so helpless and lost. All of these experiences I hold close to my heart and bring them into my teaching career. We are all human – at times strong and at times fragile. The best I can do is provide a solid, secure, predictable environment for my future learners as they navigate this thing we call life.

I look forward to reviewing the classroom management slides as I have literally forgotten our whole conversation – end of term – my brain is full.