Professional Development

I attended a professional development event hosted by Stanford University titled “Restoring Youth Mental Health: Innovations in Access, Prevention, and Treatment.” Panelists Denise Pope, Ricardo F. Muñoz, and Manpreet K. Singh shared academic and health tools. They offered multiple resources to help educators recognize the effects of mental health and how to support students who have trouble managing their moods and behavior. Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and their education, this is crucial information for all teachers. Mental health issues influence brain development; therefore, adults,  such as teachers, should be equipped with the appropriate knowledge to offer students support that ensures their well-being and success. I have included this in my portfolio because it reflects my dedication to culturally responsive teaching and my view of educating as requiring a holistic understanding of my students to teach them in a way that makes education accessible. I support my students in all aspects of life -- not just academically. Students are complex beings, constantly evolving, and my responsibility as a teacher is to understand the multiple forces that affect their daily lives.