Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1234752
" I T ' S S A D W H E N these students cry and say they feel so alone," says Jenny Medal, a paraeducator who works with newcomers at San Francisco International High School. "Some don't say anything and just sit in a corner. Some show their trauma by acting out and being disrespectful. There are so many different ways of expressing trauma." She encourages students to talk with the school's mental health counselors and tells them that those who need counseling are not crazy — instead, they need support. "I let them know it's OK to feel sad, and that they need to honor their feelings, and that people will support them and listen to them. It's OK to grieve for a missing brother or their father who has passed away. But they also need to move forward, so I push school as their best path to a future. We let them know school has resources for them to succeed." When students goof off or miss school, punishment isn't the best approach, says Medal, a member of United Educators of San Francisco. "Instead we ask, 'What do you need?' We encourage students to take language support classes and regular classes. We build relation- ships with them. We let them know school is a 'No Judgment Zone.'" Medal wants students to advocate for themselves instead of being pas- sive, and suggests they keep a journal about their experiences, feelings and goals so they feel in control of their lives. Below are other tips from edu- cators and students: EDUCATORS CAN HELP • Let students know they are welcome in your class (find downloadable posters at cta.org/forallstudents). • Build relationships with students; let them know you are an advocate for them and believe in them. • Bring in alumni who faced similar challenges and overcame them. • Don't ask students about their immigration status. Instead, inform all students about resources that provide health care, counseling, legal services, etc. • Hold college planning and "Know Your Rights" workshops. Work with your chapter and school to provide resources. • If you have students enrolled in DACA, encourage them to reapply early as a precaution. • Schedule college tours. Explain that California offers undocumented students in-state tuition through AB 540, and the California DREAM Act provides state grants. • Share high expectations and encourage challenging classes. • Encourage participation in sports and clubs, living in the moment, and deep breathing. • Offer hope for the future. No one can predict what will happen. • Check in regularly with individual students to see how they are doing. • Convey that their voice matters. Encourage letters to legislators or peaceful civic engagement. Tips Jenny Medal discusses the advantages of higher education with students in a classroom decorated with college flags. 27 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0