Educators

The Role of Educators

The role of teachers is often narrowly defined in schools as simply having to educate children about core subjects such as math and science. Yet, when the school setting is analyzed, it becomes apparent that children are learning a great deal more than simply core subjects. Children develop a number of social skills in school, and their capacity to interact with others and develop relationships outside of their family is largely dependent on the social environment schools create. Thus, if students are learning social skills in the school setting, teachers must recognize that they possess the added responsibility of not only teaching children core subjects, but also skills that they will use to cope with the pressures they will face in life. Moreover, teachers are often looked at as role models by students, and children frequently turn to their teachers for support and guidance during their school-going years.

One area where teachers can be a great source of support for children and adolescents is in helping them to understand their sexual development and rights. While it is true that sexuality education begins in the home, often parents and family members do not feel comfortable communicating with children about their bodies. Thus, children are left without information, which can ultimately lead to confusion and feelings of guilt or shame associated with the body and developing sexuality. As a result, it becomes even more important that educators play a role in communicating with children and adolescents about their sexuality and physical development. Furthermore, educators have the advantage of working with a large group of children on a daily basis, and in the structured atmosphere of the classroom, which ultimately allows them to provide information and develop skills in children which are essential for their health and well being.