As I started reading the chapter on social institutions, the case study hit home. Bullying is an issue that is prevalent in the elementary schools as well as secondary. As educators, whether it is teachers, counselors, or administrators we need to be aware of what is going on in the students’ lives. I was appalled after reading that even teachers were bullying a student and the administrator then supported them by stating that, “it is true that not every teacher will like every student, but that’s life “(Dollarhide & Saginak, p. 19, 2012). At Hamilton we take bullying very serious and it is something that is not accepted. We just started a prevention program called Olweus where we meet with the students twice a week and teach them about this topic. Even today, one of my students made fun of another student and thought it was okay because he was going to say he was sorry. The students have learned that bullying is a repetition of events. On Thursday, I hope to make an impact by modeling something that shows them that even though they may be sorry, the words or actions were still done, and that cannot be taken back.
Another area of this chapter that I felt was important was when Dollarhide and Saginak (2012) spoke about effective schools. This section brought up that one of the counselor’s roles involves helping everyone understand youth development. With this being said, we all need to work together and keep in mind that everyone learns in a variety of ways. A quote to keep in mind, “If it takes a village to raise a child, then we are all accountable for the education our young people receive in our schools” (Dollarhide & Saginak, p. 20, 2012). In addition, effective school emerges from two principles which are caring environment and an emphasis on holistic development. These principles do not happen overnight but yet is the dedication and hard work of all professionals, families, and community members. As a future counselor, it is important to know that our job is to advocate for respectful and caring environments and that we too, take part in the holistic development.
Lastly, another point that was brought up in this chapter that stood out to me was the comment about everyone not learning in the same way. As I stated before, everyone learns in their own way and we need to stop allowing kids to fall through the cracks. No child or adolescent should get to the point where they feel that they are stupid, worthless, or that they do not belong. As educators and future counselors it is our duty to meet the needs of the students so that they are successful in this society. In conclusion, schools consist of many different people with a variety of job descriptions; however, we are all educators and have an impact on the children’s lives that we come across.
Dollarhide, C. & Saginak, K. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs: K-12 delivery systems in action (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
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