Welcome to the simulation titled Safe & Caring Schools For Educators. This is a transcript of the simulation designed for screenreaders.
This virtual simulation was designed to help reduce school violence through recognition of concerning behaviors and open communication between students and adults.
PIC 0: The titlecard with the words “Encouraging Open Communication” is displayed with two speech bubble icons on top. The screen fades to Anika, a teacher, appearing in a classroom background.
ANIKA: Hi, I’m Anika, or as my students know me, Ms. Powers. Most of the time they probably think of me as that annoying teacher that never shuts up about Shakespeare.
But I also make sure they think of me as an adult they can talk to, someone who will listen to their concerns, both small and large.
PIC 1: Zooms in on Anika, and the words “Talk to an Adult” appear next to her. Above the words, two speech bubble icons are displayed.
We want our students to see us as a valuable resource, one that will work with them to help them cope with the challenges and stressors they face.
PIC 2: The words change to “Someone to help cope with Challenges and Stressors.” Two blue silhouette icons appear, with an arrow between going from the left icon to the right icon.
When we support our students, it can go a long way towards preventing an escalation of feelings or behaviors that could lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including self harm or possibly harm toward others.
PIC 3: The words change to “Negative Feelings can lead to Danger of harming self or others.” A red unhappy face icon appears on top.
But not every student who needs help asks for it. So we let our students know they can come to us not just for themselves, but also for their peers.
This way, everyone is working together to create a safe and supportive school community.
PIC 4: The words “Safe and Supportive Community” appear next to Anika. An icon of blue three silhouette icons appear, all connected by a circle.
Let’s take a look at this moment I had with one of my students, Cara. She came to me, and I could tell something was wrong.
PIC 5: A picture of Cara’s face appears in a circle frame next to Anika.
A Pre Convo Screen Image appears
Scenario: Talking with a concerned student
You, playing as Ms. Anika Powers, are approached by one of your students, Cara. You want to try to figure out how Cara is doing, and what is going on with her.
CARA: (Ms. Powers erases the whiteboard. There's a knock on the door.) Umm, Ms. Powers?
ANIKA: Oh, hey Cara.
CARA: Hey. (Cara lingers at the door for a moment)
ANIKA: (warmly) Come in.
CARA: Okay.
ANIKA: I'm planning to head out pretty soon, but I can still talk for a minute.
CARA: Oh. Okay. It's probably not a big deal.
ANIKA: Let’s talk tomorrow.
CARA: I don't know.
ANIKA: If it can't wait, I can make time now.
CARA: Mm hm, I'm sorry, I'm probably just paranoid or something. Don't even worry about it.
PIC 0: Screen fades to Anika reappearing on a classroom background, talking to the learner.
ANIKA: I tried to find out what was going on, but I did so in a way that didn't help Cara open up
CARA: (Ms. Powers erases the whiteboard. There's a knock on the door.) Umm, Ms. Powers?
ANIKA: Oh, hey Cara.
CARA: Hey. (Cara lingers at the door for a moment)
ANIKA: (warmly) Come in.
CARA: Okay.
POWERS : What brings you by?
CARA: I don't know. My day was kinda weird.
ANIKA: What do you mean?
CARA: (shrugs)
ANIKA: What’s up? I can tell something’s bothering you. How can I help?
CARA (shrugs) Yeah. I don't know.
ANIKA: I want to hear about it.
CARA (nods) I'm sorry, I'm probably just paranoid or something. Don't even, don't worry about it.