Patricia Leavy, one of our favorite authors, is back at it with a novel I couldn’t put down. In fact, Hollyland is the novel we’ve been hoping Leavy, an acclaimed arts researcher, would write. You see, in addition to being a prolific novelist with an unmistakable voice in women’s fiction, Dr. Leavy is also a world-renowned scholar. There’s no hyperbole here. She started receiving lifetime achievement awards at the age of 35!

For teachers, creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and respected while also fostering an atmosphere of learning can be a difficult balancing act. If your students are not behaving as expected, it can make teaching more challenging and ultimately impede learning.

Here are four tips to help you improve your students' behavior and create a positive learning environment for everyone. 

A recent University of Missouri-Columbia study has shown that around 94 per cent of middle school teachers experience high levels of stress, which could contribute to academic and behavioral problems for their students. Of course, similar studies have shown that teachers of other age groups also battle daily stress, with many not finding the support they need to deal with the challenges of their job.

University education has long been a stepping stone to a successful career, but with the ever-changing job market landscape, is this still the case? In 2022, the majority of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. However, the type of education needed will vary depending on the field.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Maya Angelou

In our constantly evolving world and innovative societies, it can be hard to keep up with how different diverse cultures and peoples are becoming more and more intertwined. Globalization has increased greatly over the past ten to twenty years, mostly thanks to international business growth rates, online/technological advancements and product development outsourcing to other countries. 

When we think of creating educational environments for every student to thrive, what is usually the first thing that comes to mind? Schools that include an engaging curriculum. Classrooms that cultivate joy. Buildings that are lively and welcoming that offer a multitude of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to explore the world through texts or field lessons outside of the classroom?

Tyler Gedman studied art at CCAC South Campus, and graduated in 2022. Tyler is continuing his education in the fall, but in the meantime, is substitute teaching and painting his way through life.

“Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being’s suffering. Nothing—not career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we’re going to survive with dignity” - Audrey Hepburn
 
I have long believed in the power of empathy and the need for more of it in our classrooms and our boardrooms. 

Christine O’Donnell recently obtained her Associate Degree in General Studies at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She will graduate in August with her Associates in Accounting. Christine plans on transferring to a four-year university to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She got accepted to Penn State University and she’s waiting to hear back from the University of Pittsburgh. Christine currently works full time and she’s married with four children, eight years old and younger.