Lucinda Powell
My aim over the next year is to figure out how teachers can tackle the mental health problems in their classrooms. I want to be able to give them confidence to deal with the issues they see before them and to empower them to nurture the young people in their care. It is important to make sure they are not burdened by more administration or training and that the focus is still on education. Whatever is done needs to have a lasting impact and schools need to have understanding of the issues as well as support to implement sustained change. It should not just be another tick box exercise.
So how did I get here?
In 2001 and trained as a science teacher (on the dubious premise that a joint honours in Philosophy and Psychology had enough science in it to be able to do this, and to be honest I hadn't taken A levels that long ago). But I really wanted to teach Psychology.My first job teaching psychology was in an all girls' school in outer London (private), I worked part time as I was hoping to become a GB oarswoman. I pushed my training a little too hard and became ill, then shortly after that became pregnant with No.1 son.
I kept working, only part time and loved the job. When no.2 son came along it was no longer financially worth while to keep working so I took some time out to look after the children. By this point too is was apparent that no.1 son was not going to be straight forward.
No.1 son went to school and No.3 son put in an appearance. When No.2 son went to school and I decided that there was not enough challenge in my life. By this point I had become an expert in ASD and sensory processing disorder as it was apparent that that was probably where No.1 son was, as well as the Special Educational Needs (SEN) process in schools. Having a psychology background and having taught it for 3 years meant I was really began to understand the links between Education, SEN and Psychology. The logical conclusion was a Masters Degree in Special and Inclusive Education.
In 2010 I went back to work at another all girls' school in inner London (state this time). It was a lovely place to work, the students were great and there was a very supportive staff network. During this time I discovered a skill for mentoring those with mental health issues through their academic career. I spent time with them breaking down home work, setting realistic and achievable goals, talking to parents. To be honest this was my favourite part of the job, watching these kids grow and flourish. But we decided to move out of London and I moved to an all boys' school (state), this was not such a happy experience and I felt disheartened and deskilled. I felt the focus was so firmly on results at all costs that, after 3 years, I decided that I need a break from teaching.
As you may have noted I am not one for sitting around and moping so I am not taking a year off. My plan is to find out all I can about where education and mental health meet. Schools are being expected to pick up more and more of the mental health issues that are arising in their pupils. As someone on the ground in schools I know that most are simply not equipped to do this. I have worked hard to build a varied skill set around this area and hope that it will enable me to make a real difference.
If you would like to know more about what I am doing, about how Mental Health and Education meet please do
-Follow -Like -Share
