Teachers hold tremendous power in our society, and through them, we can truly empower the lives of all children. The current state of education must address the varying needs of our children, and if every teacher were to address every student with empowerment and compassion, all children would have the experience of being heard, which will give them hope and possibility. Our very growth as a society is based on our ability to relate to others, no matter the setting or device, we are about relationships, so let’s make sure we create positive ones in our schools and with “Our Children” the future of “Our Society.”
All teachers are influential one way or another. Our schools are the places that have immediate long-term access and effects on how students, the children, see themselves and their place in the community and the world. Teachers spend most of their time with our leaders of tomorrow, and it is the teachers who have a direct and lasting impact on their sense of self, belonging, and self-esteem, along with their hopefulness or hopelessness about the future.
Great teachers have an innate sense of self and reflect on themselves and their teaching practices and their effect on the children continuously. These educators are compassionate, motivated, and educated in psychology and learning. In my opinion, what is missing in many of our schools is support for the teachers. I have encountered well-intentioned administrators well-versed in best practices, challenging academics, and supporting the overall creation of holistic education – body, mind, heart, and spirit. I have also encountered power-hungry administrators, angry and filled with resentment toward the system and those within it. This type of behavior from leaders is where the problem lies.
Taking care of how we feel about ourselves and how we perceive that world and whether or not that world accepts us is the pulse of who we are and how teachers help children become themselves.
I have witnessed excellent teachers create unique classrooms filled with excited and energized learners. I have also seen caring teachers who lack support and resources and cannot reflect on themselves and their practices; they create uncomfortable, angry environments where children are afraid to ask for help and, even worse, afraid to get noticed.
Schools must be places where all feel and know that success is possible. Schools need to be places where every member of the community feels valued as a contributing member.
We can change how our schools operate on every level. Now is the time. A new paradigm is upon us, and we have the power to create positive and transformative educational environments with dignity and equity for all.
Shajen(Shy-Anne) Joy Aziz, M.Ed., M.A.
Shajen Joy Aziz, M.Ed., M.A., is an award-winning international best-selling author, filmmaker and educator. She mentors businesses and professionals, emerging platforms, life-coaches, and those seeking personal growth. Her programs include workshops, seminars and webinars, intimate retreats and a holistic Life-Coaching certification course based on her award-winning book and film Discover the Gift.
Her book, Discover the Gift – It’s Why We’re Here, is published in 24 countries and 14 languages and her film, based on the book, is worldwide and in multiple lanuages–see Discover the Gift on Gaia TV. Shajen is proud to announce she is a contributing author in the upcoming books: Essential Wisdom-Timeless Roadmaps of Self-Discovery, Self-Actualization and Soul Purpose, as well as the fun and smart, Sexy, Fit & Fab Moms.
For over 25 years, her focus continues to be on emotions, beliefs, and systems and their impact on an individuals’ ability to thrive personally, professionally, psychologically, and spiritually. She owes her thorough understanding of humans and how to improve systems to her twenty years of experience as a school administrator, school Counselor, and Special Educator. Her groundwork in the field of education and mental health has paved the way for her to become a leader within the transformational and peace-building communities. In a very short time, her global life-coaching certification coursework and programs have amassed a dedicated community of Ambassadors, Coaches, and Trainers from around the globe.
Featured in many networks such as The Huffington Post, ABC, NBC, CNN, Spirit and Destiny Magazine, The Shift Network, Examiner.com, Catalyst, Spiritual Networks, Life Connection and Vision Magazine, amongst numerous others stateside and abroad. A founding member of the Southern California Association of Transformational Leaders (Assoc. of Transformational Leaders) and The Women’s Speakers Assoc., Shajen is an active trailblazer for women, children, and education.
Shajen has been a guest faculty member of The Shift Network and has been featured alongside Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Desmond Tutu, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Eckhart Tolle, to name a few. A leading expert in self-actualization and personal development, Shajen has had the pleasure of sharing the speaking stage with other influential New Thought Leaders and colleagues such as Jack Canfield, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. Barbara De Angelis, Sir Ken Robinson, Dr. Sue Morter, Mary Morrissey, David Wolfe, and many others.
Her recognitions include and are not limited to 2017 and 2014 Woman of Outstanding Leadership from the International Women’s Leadership Assoc., In 2012 Shajen received the Peace and Creativity Award presented by Congresswoman Karen Bass and the 2011 & 2012 Woman of the Year Award from the National Association of Professional Women. These recognitions are for her dedication and excellence in her field of education. Honored with the Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Dr. Barbara De Angelis and Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith at the Agape International Spiritual Center, Shajen Joy Aziz is facilitating the healing of others one person, one family, one community at a time.
Shajen@discoverthegift.com
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Shajen Joy Aziz 