Grieving As A Teacher S Curriculum

Podsiadlik integrates educational philosophy, literary analysis, and reflective practice to examine ways in which grief can illuminate the nuances and complexities of a teacher’s life and work.

Teachers are not automatons. An educator's personal values, concerns, and aspirations cannot be cleaved from one's professional life without impacting the quality and relevance of the teaching experience. This book examines spaces where the personal and professional intersect, thereby deepening our understanding of the nuances and complexities of a teacher's work. It draws readers into places of vulnerability-moments of grieving. As a teacher's curriculum-as a curriculum of life-grief has much to teach about sympathy, compassion, and resilience. 0Educational philosophy, literary analysis, and reflective practice are used to explore ways grief can help us better ascertain the scope and depth of the educators we are and have the potential to become. Pieces of literature used include works by Pat Conroy, Charles Dickens, Stephen King, Rabindranath Tagore, Virgil, Franz Wedekind, and Virginia Woolf. Also included are ideas from a diverse set of educational philosophers, social and cultural commentators, poets, and more. Chapters conclude with "Topics for Reflection" for further individual and/or collective reflection and discourse. 0Educators at all stages of their careers will benefit from this study that demonstrates the impact personal grieving can have on remembering, recovering, and reidentifying with one's mission and vision. As a resource for pre-service or veteran teachers, the text celebrates the power of introspection to transform our work, our lives, and the lives of our students. It is equally relevant for parents, coaches, mentors, and anyone who takes on the kinds of teacher roles that impact, nourish, and inspire the lives of others.

"Death is said to be Western society's last taboo. Teachers often shy away from discussing death within their classrooms, and few schools integrate teaching about death into the curriculum. Yet schools have a significant contribution to make to a pupil's successful adjustment to loss." "Illuminated by fascinating transcriptions of interviews with children of different ages, which reveal their perceptions of death and reactions to loss, this book will reassure teachers that, just as there is no 'right way' to grieve, every individual will express grief differently."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This guidebook was written for school personnel who come in direct, daily contact with the grieving student. Included is a description of what staff should expect from the grief experience of students and staff. It provides information about how to support the grieving student, healthy ways to grieve, and how to be empathetic. A description is provided of the six basic concepts of grief. Common responses of students in relation to their academic, behavioral, emotional, physical, and social development are also discussed. Special considerations or complications such as death from suicide, murder, AIDS, chronic illness, accidents, or trauma are reviewed. Age-appropriate classroom activities are listed that help students deal with grief. A recommended reading list is also offered for different ages. (JDM)

Discusses how children grieve and presents ways of dealing with the grieving child in the schools.

How can educators provide sensitive, effective support to students experiencing loss and grief? Get this practical, accessible guidebook from a veteran school crisis expert-filled with real-world tips and strategies for reaching and helping students of al