Teaching about a tragedy

As school doors opened this morning, educators across New York state and throughout the nation searched for ways to help their students understand the horrific tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Conn., on Friday. NYSUT's two national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association — have provided online resources that will assist teachers and other education professionals in addressing student and community concerns about school safety, and in dealing with grief and fear:

AFT Links: 

• Doctor Advises Adults on How to Talk with Children about Connecticut School Shooting
• Dealing with Incidences of School Violence

NEA Links:

• Lessons on Loss: How a school community heals after a student dies
• Help and healing in a time of crisis

National Association of School Psychologists:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Resources Curated by the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families

• Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting, American Psychological Association
• Talking to Children about the Shooting, National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, National Association of School Psychologists
• Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Educators, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services
• Coping with Crisis—Helping Children With Special Needs: Tips for School Personnel and Parents, National Association of School Psychologists

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Take Action

Meanwhile, AFT President Randi Weingarten is urging educators to stand in solidarity with Newtown's students, teachers, staff and community. Go to http://action.aft.org/c/340/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=5214 and send an email message today.

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Official Statements

NYSUT issued the following statement on Friday.

Here is what the AFT and NEA said.