Educating Peace

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/12/live-updates-newtown-conn-school-shooting/


http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html


No I did not personally know anyone physically harmed by what happened yesterday. However, I still went through a wide range of emotions, like anger, fear, sadness. Philosophically speaking, I just don't believe in guns and if I could wave a magic wand that would remove all the weapons from the world, I would take advantage of the opportunity. Politically speaking, I assert that mental illness and mental health has to be better funded, supported and readily available through health care providers and regarded as equally serious and needed as physical health care.

Most importantly, I had to wonder and consider, what can I do as a teacher prevent such travesties? I believe that if possible, every lesson I teach should somehow embody a peaceful message of compassion, anti-violence  acceptance, and emotional/mental well being.

I know that many people don't take emotional/mental wellness as a serious core of education, but I do. Could it be possible that if within establishments like school, when mental and emotional well being, and peace making is viewed as serious, perhaps the rest of the community, society, and eventually nation would also regard these as serious issues? This is why I am actually very fond of the idea of art therapy being a strong element with in art education nation wide.

Also, how can we be aware and cautious of these cases so that they don't turn into something this astronomical? I don't mean to go on a wild which hunt pointing fingers and making accusations. But how can we better recognize when someone in society is growing so ill, so sad, so detached, so angry, that they need help so that they can begin coping with these problems before they resort to violence?

I would really love to hear any ideas and responses to those two questions above! I am welcoming to as many peace making practices for the educational environment as possible.

Peace and Love. My deepest condolences to those affected by yesterday's tragedy.