Module 1 Reflections

Initial Response - Thoughts of a Pre-Service Teacher Who Wants to Make a Difference

    There are so many overlaps between social work and teaching. I have said this a few times now both in my first discussion post and in the small group in our last Zoom class, but I keep reflecting on it. For example, the “Roles of the Social Worker” listed in Chapter 1 of the textbook each corresponds with the role of a teacher.

I am a strategist: I plan lessons to include all students and I identify issues to solve in our classroom.

I am a broker: I give students tools to learn and grow. I can (responsibly) refer them to social workers.

I am an advocate: I stand up for my students. I don't accept injustice and fight for their future.

I am an initiator: I speak to the school boards and larger institutions. I chase change.

I am a mediator: I help students to communicate. I resolve conflict without passing judgment.

I am a negotiator: I speak on behalf of my students to get them what they need.

I am an activist: I encourage the future generation to be activists themselves.

I am an educator: I teach children how to learn and grow.

I am a coordinator: I collect resources and speakers to give students the education they deserve.

I am a researcher: I am always learning, and I will never become complacent in my practice.

I am a facilitator: I lead my students in our activities. I teach them how to lead themselves.
I am a spokesperson: I always speak up for my students. I communicate with parents and principals.

(Hicks & Stokes, 2017)             

Because of all these similarities, I hope this course prepares me for the tougher parts of being a teacher. I keep reflecting on the emotional aspect of being a social worker concerning my profession. So many teachers experience burnout, and so do social workers. 

adapted from (Hicks & Stokes, 2017)

Snap

Stay in your body.

It feels scary, It feels heavy.

You chose to help them,

You can not back out.

Always breath.

Always stretch.

Release tension so you don't snap.

Never snap.

Recall your skills.

You are prepared.

You can do this.

For them.

Always breath.

Always reflect.

Get some sleep so you don't snap.

Never snap.

Your responsibilities are many.

You feel spread thin.

Cold butter on hot toast.

Your friend is there with you.

Always breath.

Always socialize.

Look to your community so you can heal.

Snap back.

Case Study Reflection- Sylvie’s Story

    Sylvie’s story was very educational for me as someone with little experience understanding the technical processes of transition houses. I connected to the material more specifically when it spoke of or interviewed the children of the women in the transition house. I thought about how difficult a time they might have in school and how many of their teachers would have been ill-equipped to support them. I’m hoping that exploring this case and others like it will in turn give me the tools to help children in those circumstances.

Questions for further reflection

How are the history of social work and the education system connected?

• Both began from rather harmful ideologies.
• Both require reform.

How can I work to dismantle the harmful aspects still present in these structures?

• I can advocate for students, and encourage them to advocate for themselves.
• I can speak to school boards and work with organizations to make changes.

How can a teacher support children in difficult situations without overstepping professional boundaries?

• If it is safe for the child, I can be sure to keep up communication with the parents about specific issues.
• I will always review my scope of practice and communicate with my students.

What steps can I take to authentically incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into my teaching practice?

• I can invite Indigenous speakers for special lessons in my classroom.
• I can always incorporate at least one Indigenous way of knowing into each lesson.
• I can teach students to identify colonial pedagogies in our school institutions.

What skills am I most competent in for working with families and individuals?

• I am very emotionally intelligent and empathetic.
• I am a problem solver and a mediator.
• I am compassionate and understanding.

References

Hick, S., & Stokes, J. (2017). Social work in Canada: An introduction (4th ed.). Thompson Educational.

Horne, Tina, et al. Sylvie’s Story. National Film Board of Canada, 2013. https://www.nfb.ca/film/sylvies_story/