Creating Safe Spaces for Learning: Insights from Karen G. Foley of JPA

Karen G. Foley from the Juvenile Protective Association emphasizes the critical role of relationships in supporting children's mental health and well-being. She highlights that just as chronically hungry children cannot learn, neither can those who are emotionally hurting. The discussion explores how the organization provides school-based mental health services, fostering long-term relationships with educators, parents, and students. Karen shares insights on the importance of understanding a child's intent behind their actions and the necessity of a supportive environment for both children and teachers. The episode underscores the need for an intergenerational approach to address the struggles faced by middle school girls today, illustrating how vital it is to nurture connections that help children thrive.Karen joined JPA in 2014. She earned her MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College. Prior to joining JPA, Karen served as the President and CEO of The Hope Institute for Children and Families, serving children with autism and developmental delays across Illinois.Takeaways: Building strong relationships in schools leads to positive impacts on the entire school community. Understanding the intent behind actions can foster forgiveness and stronger relationships. Chronically hungry children can’t learn, just like those who are chronically hurting. Intergenerational approaches provide unique support for middle school girls facing challenges today. Teachers need to recognize and adjust to the various ages of their students. Creating a nurturing and safe environment is crucial for children's development and learning. Websitehttps://jpachicago.org/Social Media Informationwww.linkedin.com/company/juvenile-protective-associationwww.facebook.com/JuvenileProtectiveAssociation/www.instagram.com/jpachicagoShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/Discover more about Education on Fire🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tiphttps://educationonfire.com/support🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

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Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future. While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced. Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’