Counselors in Schools

Last year I became the special education teacher at our Middle School. Even though I taught in the elementary grades for 12 years, I wasn’t totally prepared for some of the issues facing young teens these days. I was faced with a very difficult situation involving two young girls who had just moved to our school in the recent years. They both came from completely different schools and home situations, but the two were both dealing with forms of anxiety.

It was discovered on one of our 3-night field trips that the girls were both “cutting”. At first, I didn’t realize that this wasn’t a sign of being suicidal, so I kind of freaked out. I was able to call our school counselor while on that trip to seek advice. She was so helpful, and calmed me down. She explained what cutting means, and why people do it. She also helped me brainstorm the conversation I would have to have with the parents, and what words to use.  I am very thankful that our school has hired a group of people that work together so well as a team.