SONIA NEIL
Navigating paths to student success
JAMAICAN TEACHERS and counsellors, like educators worldwide, encounter various challenges in their profession. However, it is how our educators seek to work through and around these issues, while maintaining their students’ best interests, that matter. In celebrating our annual Teachers’ Day, we turn the spotlight on these tireless warriors of knowledge, whose commitment to the noble cause of support and education knows no bounds.
Sonia Neil’s journey as a guidance counsellor began with a humble aspiration to make a difference along with encouragement from peers, which solidified her transition.
“I started out as a trained teacher, really loved what I was doing, but found that I was drawn to students who were having emotional problems. I would always want to find out from them how I could help to solve their problems,” said Neil.
For educators like Neil, the classroom transcends mere academic instruction – it becomes a safe space for nurturing hearts and minds. Teachers and counsellors alike serve as sources of guidance, helping students navigate the intricacies of academic success and personal growth. From instilling organisational skills to addressing emotional hurdles, their impact extends far beyond textbooks and exams.
In addressing conflict resolution, educators employ a multifaceted approach, creating an environment for students to express themselves.
“We generally ask the students to express their thoughts and feelings in a comfortable space. We help them to think of positive options or alternative responses. Teach them to listen to each other, not blame the other person; and we invite guest speakers to address students frequently.”
Despite this, the challenges facing educators today demand a concerted effort to adapt and evolve. Neil emphasises the urgent need for collaboration, encouraging educators to step out of their comfort zones and work closely with colleagues, administrators, and parents.
“We will always need the support of our parents, especially for the boys. I personally see a marked difference in the behaviour and performance of our boys when daddy is visible, even when the interaction between them is by video,” she said. Together they can form a formidable team, with the power of networking and corporate sponsorship to address the pressing issues plaguing Jamaican schools.
“Teachers, and especially the guidance counsellor, should make a special effort that when a student leaves your presence, he or she never exit your presence feeling worse than when he/she came in. Each child should feel that he/she can go to the guidance counsellor/teacher, because it is obvious that he/she cares and I feel safe. I would encourage us to listen even if we may think that the conversation is trivial.”
Neil also advocates for educators to seize every opportunity for learning, from seminars and workshops to embracing technology and cultural diversity. By staying abreast of the latest trends and methodologies, educators ensure that they remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
But amid the demands of the profession, self-care emerges as a vital priority. Neil underscores the importance of maintaining boundaries, seeking support when needed, and finding moments of solace and rejuvenation.
For her, the ultimate reward lies in the transformative moments. Neil recalled one particular student who was hostile and would lash out at his classmates without being provoked.
“One afternoon, he was brought to me and told me what had transpired in class. He was aware that his behaviour at home would have consequences. We discussed what had happened and how to modify the behaviour for a while. At the end of the day, he had to come see me and tell me about his day. Every afternoon, [his] Dad would look for me to give me a hug, because there had been no fights or serious misbehaviour for which there would be no consequences.
“I not only enjoy his hugs and the peace in his eyes, but also the smile on his face – that he has done it again and he didn’t have to worry. He is not perfect, but the fact that he continues to try is enough for me.”
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, Neil encourages us take the time out to highlight these nation-builders, these pillars of support.
“Our Jamaican teachers are resilient, patient, scrupulous, crafty and dedicated to the call of duty. Like Jesus, we very often even arise from sleep to answer the call of our little disciples to calm their hearts filled with fear of failure, misunderstanding and forgetfulness. Teachers deserve to be publicly recognised and celebrated today for a job of ‘work well done’. Hail, nation-builders!”
“Each child should feel that he/ she can go to the guidance counsellor/teacher, because it is obvious that he/ she cares and I feel safe.”