A teacher and ambassador for Wear the Cape, Christina M. attended the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development (NJASECD) convention at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey on March 19, 2014. Powerful ideas were exchanged at the conference, and we’re glad to be able to share highlights! From Christina:

Hope was the feeling that filled the day at the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development (NJASECD) convention last week.  Hope for a better world for our children. Hope for their future. Hope for change.

Along with this hope, the NJASECD provided the many educators, administrators, and parents in attendance with the tools needed to launch a heroic journey toward these goals. The crux of the NJASECD’s approach is the collaboration of school and home climates to both improve and promote positive character education.

I had the pleasure of hearing Rutgers Professor of Psychology Dr. Maurice Elias address several ideas on how to begin creating a “School of Character” in any district. His recommendations included the following:

1. Don’t be afraid to be direct with your children and with their school. If you feel they are doing a great job, tell them. If not, tell them.
2. Determine the climate and culture of your child’s school. What is the common language? What are their policies?
3. Work together, grow together. Schools and homes need to integrate a common, shared language, which includes their core values.
4. Make kids feel like they matter. Treat each child as if he or she is your own grandchild.
5. Encourage buddying throughout all ages. Team up students with those older and younger.
6. Turn learners’ “on switch” on. Create a mindset for success.
7. Nurture “rainbows in students’ clouds.” Adapted from Maya Angelou, this phrase reminds us to allow children to overcome their problems in order to succeed.
8. Encourage what kids can do. “All children must nurture their amazing sense of potential,” explained Dr. Elias. We need to push students to believe in their potential, not focus on their failures.

The feedback I heard from many teachers, administrators, and parents was, “YES! We want to work together to create a synchronized home and school climate for our children.”  Dr. Elias’ suggestions did not seem overwhelming, intimidating, or unattainable. We all agreed when he stated:

“Our greatest reward is the smiling faces of our students, not test scores.”

Beyond this inspiring session, the highlight of my day was hearing a testimonial from a young man named Alan. Alan is a recent graduate of the POSSibilities Program (Providing Opportunities for Student Success) at North Brunswick High School.  Alan is living with a rare blood disorder, as well as specific learning disabilities. In 2013, he was featured on ABC’s news special Above and Beyond due to his profound success in the program. He credits his success to the teachers, family, and program, which includes an Autism Awareness campaign and work assistance program. Alan shared that, before the help of his teachers and friends in the program, “I was stuck inside myself and didn’t know how to bring out the inner me.”  His message was simple, yet so profound: We can help others bring out their inner selves. 

Alan is right…and following the eight tips above may help us do just that.