In Part One, I discuss my initial reactions to the Parkland, Florida shooting. I touch on how teachers are prepped for active shooting scenarios. In Part Two, I discuss how teachers can be “on the first line of defense” without stepping between students and bullets. I recommend reading about restorative justice in schools. In this … More Skills of a Teacher in 2018 – Part Three
In Part 1, I worked my way through understanding the violence in Parkland, Florida, how children and young adults are working on a national strategy to combat gun violence in schools, and my personal experience with preparing for this part of my job description. If you haven’t read that one yet, I would encourage you … More Skills of a Teacher in 2018 – Part 2
Last week, we saw the world glance at a CNN notification on their phone: a new school shooting. 17 this time. Suspect was “deeply troubled.” The conversation turned towards the usual: thoughts and prayers. Mental health. Not the time. Let them grieve. Not the time. When is the time to talk? The amazing shift, after … More Skills of a Teacher in 2018 – Part One
Throughout my study of Peace and Justice, I have taken Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies, Social Inequalities, Social Change and Political Action (abroad), Feminist Theology, Bioethics (currently), and Capstone to Peace and Justice Studies. In addition to my coursework, I have worked with the Interfaith Youth Core, worked as a Community Organizer at the … More How My Mind Has Changed
I fell into restorative justice and prison reform accidentally. But just like each of my earlier understandings, my passion for the topic became genuine. In the end, the way we arrive at our understanding is perhaps less important than what we do once we reach it. Appealing to ignorance in the face of social injustice is one thing, as I could have in high school, but now that I’ve been made aware of the injustice, it is my moral responsibility to act in anyway that I can. … More Accidentally Falling into Social Justice
Mary M. McConnaha 