This week, a Colorado school was again the victim of gun violence. Our team at Educator Support sends our thoughts to the Evergreen community and we hope for your healing and your safety as you navigate the next steps. Please know we are here to help in any way you may need.
When events like this happen, our call line tends to get busier. It is not usually the people who have been directly affected, but rather, educators from other schools who empathize. They wonder how they can help. They wonder how to keep hope alive. They fear that it may be their school that is on the news.
When we talk to these educators, we typically get two questions (and always in this order): How do I help my students? What can I do for myself? So here are some tips if you are navigating tough conversations with your students or feeling overwhelmed yourself.
To help your students:
- Acknowledge what has happened and what you know. Provide a space where students can talk if they would like and if you feel comfortable facilitating this type of conversation. It does not need to be structured, just a place where kids can say what they’ve been thinking and feeling. Encourage empathy and respect where everyone can reflect on their own experiences.
- If you do not feel like you are not the right person, that is okay. Help them find someone who they can talk with. Your in-school mental health team will have resources available, and any student can use the iMatter program (imattercolorado.com).
- Provide a routine. Routines offer safety and predictability. When things feel out of control, continuing with the science project may be the best thing you can do.
- Help them to find an outlet for their emotions. A service project or a protest may help them to feel more empowered.
- Try to instill hope. Help them to see what is good and positive about them, their futures, or the world around them. Remind them of things to look forward to (Halloween, Homecoming, college).
To help yourself:
- Allow yourself time and space to feel whatever emotions you may need. If you need to modify your lessons or take the day off to care for yourself, do what you need to do.
- Talk about it. There are lots of resources for mental health supports. Even connecting with other educators may be helpful. They’ll understand your fears and frustrations.
- Find an outlet for yourself. A service project, a protest, or something completely unrelated may help you to feel better.
- Focus on sleep, eating well, and spending time with people you care about.
If you want more tips or would like us to come and talk to your school, please let us know. We will do what we can to help navigate through. We have a lot of resources about safety, recovery, trauma, and ways that you can take action to feel better.
Until everyone can feel safe in their schools, I leave you with a meditation from Jack Kornfield:
May you be safe from harm.
May you have a calm, clear mind.
May you be strong and healthy.
May you experience love, joy, and wonder.
