This Is My Why!
Being a life-long learner and loving education, helping children, and being a conduit for positive change are why I chose a career in education. Recently, I was interviewed by a group that spotlights educators and authors. They were interested in understanding what drives me as a mental health professional and professional school counselor working in education. There are several things that bring me joy as I work with students and their families. I was provided the opportunity to expound upon a small segment of things that bring me joy. Additionally, as we gear up for the return to school, I was able to offer my perspective about the imperatives that need to be prioritized as students and educators return to school in whichever form, and I was pleased to share how my students have educated the educator!
1. What is the most joyful thing about working in education for you?
There are several things about education that bring me joy! As a Licensed Professional Counselor and professional school counselor working in education, creating a comprehensive counseling program that seeks to close achievement gaps, level the playing field for all students, and teach students about becoming empathetic, productive global citizens; supporting students as they become more self-aware, more self-accepting, grow more emotionally intelligent and academically adept with a desire to extend their learning beyond the confines of the school; advocating for culturally competent mental health and wellness education, and providing the school-wide community resources and support are the tip of the proverbial iceberg of things that bring me a sense of fulfillment when engaging in the work that I do. As a lifelong learner and mental health advocate, leading the charge to educate students, teachers, and all stakeholders about the importance of mental health and wellness as it relates to educational attainment and progression is imperative.
2. What is the most needed curriculum or subject in schools that we lack today?
I believe the most important curriculum that is needed to complement academic rigor is SEL or social emotional learning. As we return to school, building relationships, making students feel safe and secure, and tending to the emotional needs of our students will have to be the top priorities. There is growing importance right now for schools to prioritize social emotional learning which, per the research, enhances student academic performance. There are myriad benefits to incorporating social emotional learning into all aspects of the curriculum- from improving emotional awareness and emotional intelligence, to learning how to manage their emotions and being more mindful of how their behaviors impact others, to building their resilience. An SEL-focused learning environment builds empathy in students and aids them in perspective taking; therefore, skills such as collaborating with other students, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution increases. Building empathy among the school community is integral to moving forward, for everyone will be dealing with something known or unknown as we return to school in the age of COVID-19. Counselors tend to lead the charge with these efforts, but it will take a forward-thinking, school-wide approach to addressing the delicate emotional needs of our students if we want them to excel academically. The earlier we make social emotional learning a priority, the better the short-term and long-term outcomes will be not only for our students but also for our teachers, schools, and all stakeholders tasked with educating children.
3. What is the most important learning you’ve had from your own students?
I’ve worked in varying capacities over my 13 years in education, and I would have to say that the most valuable lessons I have learned on behalf of my students are that authenticity is vital to holistic health and happiness, and it’s important to foster genuine connections with others. I’ve primarily worked with middle school students, and I have witnessed them work tirelessly to uncover the truth of who they are, work to accept their gifts and uniqueness, and present themselves, unapologetically, to the world. For that age group, being authentic during a time when others really desire to blend in can be an uphill battle; they want to fit in and be accepted, as we all do, but lately, my students have reinforced for me the importance of loving the skin I am in, reveling in my uniqueness, and continuing to show up in the world as my best, authentic self. Furthermore, my students continue to teach me the importance of fostering connections. In schools, students routinely befriend others, and those friendships, relationships, and partnerships aren’t always successful; it can feel disheartening at times; however, what I bear witness to from them is the importance of being resilient in the face of disappointment. I’ve learned from my students that in order to foster genuine connections and to find your tribe of people, you have to, again, bring your authentic self to the situation, reciprocate what you desire to receive, and assert your needs. Ultimately, building and sustaining healthy relationships can benefit your holistic health and wellness.
I’ll leave you with this quote that succinctly sums up my WHY!
“A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help others.” ~Unknown
I hope that all of the educators returning to schools, either in-person or virtually, take this time to meditate on, transcribe, and continually review their WHY! Being firmly rooted in your why will keep you as the times get tough, as you grow tired, and as you feel tapped out! Allow your WHY to sustain you to keep pressing, and please, never forget that you are someone else’s WHY- why they love school, why they feel safe, why they feel empowered, and why they push themselves outside their comfort zone. You provide an example, support, love, and consistency. Don’t ever lose sight of your WHY!!
Kindall Tyson, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
Therapist | Professional School Counselor | Educator Wellness Coach
