Part 2: (10:00-24:10)

Immerse in stories of resilience and recovery
Some students come into school from a rough home life. They may struggle in school and when they move on from your classroom, you may not know what their future entails or get any updates. You of course wish the best for them, but sometimes you don't know. As educators, we can't always focus on the bad parts, we need to be open and listen to the success stories. Recently, there was an assignment in library where they had to write a thank you letter to a teacher that impacted their lives. I received over 5 letters from former students that allowed me to see that they're doing okay and they are growing and learning. 

Connecting with a colleague
It is important to talk with your colleagues. I talk to my colleagues on a daily basis. Teaching isn't a one teacher helping one student, it takes a team a teachers to help one student at times. There are some hard conversations sometimes, but being able to trust and rely on your colleagues is important. My colleagues always have an ear ready to listen if I just need to talk or advice if I am struggling.

As a young educator whose only been teaching for two years. I can already understand the importance of compassion resiliency in and out of the classroom on a daily basis. The key that related to me the most was "Reaching out to Colleagues." When I first started at the school I am now back in September. I held my emotions to myself until I got home, and I would vent to my wife on how my day was, whether it was good or bad. My wife said it best, "I love that you talk to me about your problems and concerns, but you should look for a co-worker to talk to and discuss your beliefs, ideas, and frustrations with someone you can learn to trust." I did just that. To this day, my co-worker and I can talk about anything and we may have disagreements, but we can work together and get through whatever it is that is happening that day or week. I consider that co-worker a mentor now and its been nothing but a great experience. He's taken care of me in so many ways, and I consider myself lucky to be teaching with someone as passionate and dedicated to his students and colleagues as him. Being honest with yourself and your peers is a huge step to teaching, it will help you grow sharing your ideas with others and helping your students more ways than you can imagine.   

Trusting strengths of resiliency with young people such as your students relates to me as well. I feel that your students should be able to trust you as a teacher and as an adult. I'm sure we all had that one teacher that can help us say "This is the reason why I am a teacher, I had a teacher I looked up too, and they believed in me." All students are different, and most of the time, we only know what we see them doing at school, their lives at home are a different story sometimes. If you have a student, who needs someone talk to too, not only are certified educators, but we should be listeners as well. Students may have something great to share, or need someone to talk to about a certain situation in school or at home. We all had that teacher we could talk too, let's be that teacher for our own students. 

Self-Care! In all the years I have been in education, I have not taken care of myself. This year, I have lost weight and got back to the gym for some time for myself. Now that my kids are older, I am able to have a few moments, with my daughter, who also goes to the gym! Also, having a colleague makes a big difference, and it just so happens that my colleague is also my sister! Having someone to talk to, bounce ideas off, makes for a better year as well!

The first key practice is to help people immerse themselves in stories of recovery. Oftentimes when educators are surrounded by negativity and bad situations that children are in, they can get burnt out easily because they only see one end of the story- their part. When educators are trying constantly to help students but don't see the results students hopefully find success because of their efforts. This is why educators need to listen to stories of recovery. One of the other keys is about self-care and balance. If you are in one of the later stages of compassion fatigue it may be difficult to effectively help students so making sure yourself is in balance is crucial. Educators need to balance their lives spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

One of the strategies for compassion resilience is reaching out and connecting with a colleague.  It is important to reach out and talk with a colleague to share about a student that perhaps is struggling big time and I you are feeling overwhelmed with helping the student.  To have an open and honest communication with another colleague who may be feeling the same and to support each other is important.  We don't have to 'fix the student or the situation that they are in" and it is so wonderful to hear that from a colleague.  The other strategy is self care.  This might be journaling out about a student that is struggling that I am working with or going on a nature walk.  To step away and meditate or focus on your breathing.  Trying to find a balance physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, spiritually, and mentally.  It is important to not lose yourself when dealing with students or families that are dealing with trauma.  It is vital to check in with yourself in these areas so that you don't become overwhelmed and when you realize an area is lacking, taking the time to bring that component back in to keep yourself centered is key. 

Throughout the years, I have worked with students that I was very worried about for various reasons, usually those with terrible home lives or those with severe behavior problems and anger issues. As the years go by , I have often encountered grown students who I was sure were headed to jail, who have found their stride and found success in career, family, etc. It reminds me to stop trying to predict their future and just do my best with them day by day. Talking with collegues that can relate to your issues is necessary and helpful, whether you vent to blow off steam, seek advise or simply laugh together, it can certainly lighten your load.

I feel it is important to have a Colleague to Connect with and share your thoughts. Someone who experiences similar things throughout the day makes it easier to be able to share. It would also make your work environment more comfortable to be able to confide in someone and express your opinions. 
I also feel it is beneficial for Self-Care and balance. Self care is always important in everyday life. It can help relieve stress by participating in things you enjoy. I enjoy time to myself, away with friends, or spouse. It could be as simple as reading a book and getting lost in the pages. There always needs to be a balance between work and reconnecting with yourself. Sometimes in any job profession we get lost in the tasks that are required of us. Self-care can help with that balance so you can perform better and learn intentions rather than reactions.

 Talking with my colleagues allows me to know that I’m not the only one struggling throughout the day. This keeps me in check and keeps me from “throwing in the towel” (being done). At times I feel like I'm going about it all wrong, but talking with colleagues lets me work through the situation and struggles from a different perspective. Self-care is important to me because I do get anxious and burnt out. Remembering that self-care is important is huge. This allows me to clear my head at the end of the work day and not dwell on it throughout the remainder of the day or week. You have to have a clear head and a positive attitude everyday when walking into the school. The children can sense or see when you are feeling off and it may affect their output as well.Self care allows a fresh start.

I love what I do. I love that I get a chance to connect with my students on a daily basis in my role as a TA in a resource room and supportive role. I listen to my students and they tell me how they overcome obstacles by listening to my advice. They are thankful and i am humbled. Self care is important. My self care involves photography and my strong faith. We often exchange thoughts and problem solving strategies among other TA's in short sessions or in the lunch room. We are fortunate to have a sensitive principal and administration who hear us and come to the table to discuss our concerns and needs. Several of my students have told me they appreciate my willingness to listen and hear what they have to say and they say I always help them to find a way forward. I also hear that from parents. It really does take a village. I am so blessed to work in a nurturing, supportive school environment. Being present is key. It does help to not get stuck on something .

Self Care-  I have always thought that self care was the most important of these.  If we are to help others be their best and do their best it starts with us.  Physically being our best, taking care of our health leads to a better mind body experience.  Emotionally being able to control our emotions and keep them in check.  When you are emotionally distraught for what ever reason it should not come out in your classroom.  intellectually being able to open your mind to new ideals and experiences of your students leads to better understanding.  Socially it is important to have someone to decompress with, groups that accept you as you are and you feel relaxed around.  Spiritually to each their own,  but the importance of that solitude and reflection 

Trusting the strength and resilience.  Knowing your own limits of what you are able to to,  what is within your power to control/change is very important leaning to let go of the things you cannot do and give them up to someone who can or who should be doing them.  Students while young are still learning and can with the right help handle many situations.  I like to think about what helped me when I was their age and what didn't,  what I wish I would have had that may have helped me better.