Discuss the stresses students have about their teachers, their environment, and home:
Teachers and everyone else think they know what’s best for us when they don’t, because they never ask us for our input and they are always making decisions for us. Decisions that don’t correspond to our needs. We don’t have a voice.
Our home and environment isn’t appealing and is poor. We attend schools that are poor so why should we be inspired to learn? When we leave out of our homes we are faced with abandoned homes, buildings, violence and lots of trash. When we leave school, we see abandoned homes, buildings, violence and lots of trash. There’s nothing beautiful in our neighborhood. Nothing that inspires us or motivates us. Teachers, what do you see in your neighborhood? What does your home look like? Put yourself in their shoes! Are people plotting to fight you? Are you at risk for getting shot and harassed by others, especially police officers?
Your classrooms need changing: Since I’ve been touring schools in our district, I’ve noticed that many teachers have the same classroom set up since the first day of school. Some even have their blinds on the windows closed. Direct daylight is essential for growth. It provides good energy. You can’t have kids feeling like they are in jail/prison. School is and outlet for most and they need a sense of freedom. New photos, posters with bright colors are needed. Play some meditation music during lessons if possible. Classrooms should be welcoming like your home.
Example of teachers/staff who met me where I stand:
They went above and beyond their normal duties. They removed themselves from their positions and focused on humanity; emphasizing, nurturing, love, respect, direction and leadership. They understood my needs. So It’s okay for you to not work for a pay check. Step away from your title and be human again.
How to mentor me coming from where I come from?
Meet me where I stand. Put yourself in my position, see things from my perspective. Then work from there. You can’t be demanding, that’s what we receive from our environment. You have to be patient and compassionate. Don’t be a boss, be a leader.
Greet students with love; they may not be receiving it at home. Start the day with warm smiles, and hugs, that can change everything especially if they aren’t receiving it at home. I know for me, a hug from someone who cares makes everything that much better. Then ask how they are feeling and work with them to heal. If you can’t empathize with them you will never understand how they’re feeling. You won’t be able to reach them.
Customer service starts at the face of any business and organization. In order for your organization to succeed, you have to meet the needs of the client. The product or service that you provide isn’t top priority but customer and client satisfaction is. So when students first arrive at school and when they interact with all staff, they should be greeted fairly and with respect. You have to meet their needs because they are the ones who keep you employed. You don’t see Cleveland Clinic doctors and nurses treating patients unfairly, or demanding them to do things, so you shouldn’t. If they behave in such manner they wouldn’t be one of the top hospitals in the world. So, security staff at the front desk should be providing exceptional customer service from the time students and visitors walk in and until they leave and so should all other staff.
- Jameel Davis
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