TeenLife.com’s Post

Today is International Social-Emotional Learning Day, with the theme of "Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders." If you want your organization to succeed tomorrow, look to today's students. Here's an example. A dozen years ago, US businesses piled on the STEM education bandwagon. They feared that schools were not graduating workers who were literate enough in math, coding, and engineering. Now, there's a new bandwagon. The recent World Economic Forum highlighted the top skills that students need for jobs in the ever-evolving future. Personal and interpersonal skills dominate the list: resilience, perseverance, communication, conflict resolution, goal setting, and self-regulation. The first day on the job is a late start on learning these skills. They need to be taught in schools, homes, and communities. And these skills can be taught, through an approach known as social and emotional learning, or SEL. I don't think our tight labor market will ease anytime soon. That makes new graduates an increasingly valuable resource. Businesses such as retail, hospitality, and construction that hire new grads especially need the help. A new grad with even a year of SEL skills is a better candidate and employee than one without such exposure. Businesses are picking up the SEL banner, but the movement needs the same zeal that STEM received, especially given the current youth mental health crisis. It's time to invest in the skills that all kids need for a happy, healthy, and successful life on and off the job. #SELDay

A holistic approach to student engagement and retention is essential in today's higher education landscape. It's not just about academic success but also about nurturing a supportive environment that addresses students' diverse needs, from academic support and career guidance to mental health resources and community building initiatives. By embracing this holistic strategy, universities can foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students, leading to higher retention rates and overall student satisfaction. Let's prioritise comprehensive student engagement to create campuses where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eJhuEHHT #StudentEngagement #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #HolisticApproach

Why are less kids attending college? Why are kids missing so much school? Why are teachers having so much trouble with behavior? “And as we put more emphasis on ‘academic standards,’ we let students’ real world work experience atrophy as the least-working generation in U.S. history.” Yesterday, I had sophomores take time to map out the next ten years of their lives. “In a perfect version of your future, what are you doing and where are you in ten years?” Given how long some of them plan to be in school, I amended it to four years post their final graduation ceremony. They got quiet and started to scribble down ideas after a little bit of confusion. I reminded them that if they didn’t know, that was ok too. Then, I had them make a list of all the things they have learned at school they think they will use as that future version of themselves. Some of the future doctors, psychologists, and engineers were able to share the content classes they knew they would need in the future. But most wrote less about core content and more about skills they have picked up along the way while in school—the ability to discuss and disagree with someone, problem solve, think critically or analyze complex ideas, collaborate, manage their time, and overcome failures. If we hope to engage students in their learning, we need to remain focused on the fact that it is THEIR learning we are trying to engage them with. We are preparing them for THEIR future. So, we should take into account their wants, their needs, their interests, and their passions. We should celebrate their voices and constantly remind them that their time in school is a part of their journey which should equip them with the tools to become something that truly excites them. If what we are teaching our classes does not equip them with those tools, then it is time to change what we are teaching because the kids in classroom have to remain why we are teaching at all. It is time for education to start listening to students by truly empowering them to be at the center of THEIR educational journey. This activity was loosely connected to our reading of The Little Prince, but the 20 minutes they took to reflect and discuss the connections between what they are studying and who they want to becone was far more valuable than the archetypal analysis that came after. #socialemotionallearning #meaningfulconnections #futurefocused #purposedriven

A post years in the making. For so long, I was focused on helping students make the right college match. Looking back, I feel like I missed the mark. SOME students are college-bound. ALL students are career-bound. So why aren't we talking more generally, especially when students get to high school, about creating a best-fit pathway to the right CAREER experience. For many students, this will mean a stop at a technical school, four year college, or even graduate school. But for others, it means on-the-job training, a certificate, or military experience. We innately create a more inclusive experience if we change the narrative from "college bound" for some, to "career bound" for all. Stay tuned for my take on a career-centric pathway planning process, but drop your thoughts below. Can we instill hope with a model like this?

Why are young people increasingly apathetic towards higher education? Gen Z, much more than previous generations, is skeptical of college and are seeking diverse paths towards fulfillment and success. Understanding why this is is essential for parents and those that work with high school students, so we dive into four big reasons behind this shift. https://lnkd.in/gdW3drNp #GenZ #GenerationalDivide #CollegePlanning #TeenCoach #MentalHealth

Postsecondary planning in middle school offers so many benefits that can significantly impact students' academic and career trajectories. * The primary reason being that introducing students to early postsecondary planning helps them understand the importance of academic achievement It can motivate them to take their studies more seriously. * Middle school is an ideal time for students to explore various subjects and extracurricular activities to identify their interests and strengths. This self-discovery can guide them in choosing high school courses and extracurriculars that align with potential postsecondary plans. * Students who see a clear connection between their current education and future career goals are more likely to stay engaged in school. And lastly, early exposure to different career options and educational pathways helps students make informed decisions about their futures. It has been an amazing opportunity piloting this idea to have middle school students in 7th grade meet current HS academy students at one of their selection high schools. I know this initiative will impact them as we continue to develop it. Here is a photo of 7th grade students learning from a high school academy student how too take blood pressure and listen to the heart with a stethoscope.

Why are young people increasingly apathetic towards higher education? Gen Z, much more than previous generations, is skeptical of college and are seeking diverse paths towards fulfillment and success. Understanding why this is is essential for parents and those that work with high school students, so we dive into four big reasons behind this shift. https://lnkd.in/gxgwj-5V #genz #generationaldivide #collegeplanning #teencoach #mentalhealthawareness

🧠💡 NEURODIVERGENT EDUCATION 💡🧠 Education is not one-size-fits-all. Inclusive teaching practices and accommodations are essential to support the unique learning needs of neurodivergent students. Sensory-friendly learning environments, alternative assessment methods, and promoting understanding and acceptance among peers are just a few ways to make education more accessible. Let’s discuss, how can education be more inclusive for everyone? #NeurodivergentEducation #InclusiveTeaching #SensoryFriendly #AlternativeAssessment #UnderstandingAndAcceptance

🎉 Big News: Launching GanasEd – A Revolution in Education Consulting!🎉 In a world where K-12 education often misses the mark on truly integrated support systems, I'm thrilled to introduce GanasEd. This isn't just another business launch. It's the beginning of a transformative journey for school and college counselors, students, and their families. ⁉ Why GanasEd? Because we've recognized a gaping void. Our schools need more than just academic guidance; they need a comprehensive blend of culturally relevant education, emotional well-being, and college preparation. GanasEd is here to bridge that gap. 🚀 Our mission? To empower counselors to not only engage families and communities but also to ensure students are academically and emotionally prepared for whatever the future holds, be it college or career paths. But here's where I need your voice. 🗣️ 🤓 I'm diving deep into market research to fine-tune GanasEd's offerings. Your insights are crucial. Whether you're a counselor, educator, or involved in the education sector in any capacity, I'm keen to understand: What's your biggest hurdle in merging culturally responsive academic guidance with students' emotional well-being and college prep while also engaging their families in the process? Drop your thoughts, experiences, and challenges in the comments. Your feedback is the cornerstone of building a service that genuinely meets your needs. ✨ #schoolcounselor #schoolcounseling #schoolcounselors #k12education #k12design #principalsschool #collegecounseling #collegeprep #collegereadiness #collegeprep #familyengagement