Creating Emotionally Safe Schools: A Guide for Educators and Parents

by Jane Bluestein

Something is terribly wrong with our schools. How did a place that should be a sanctuary for kids becomes a source of fear and intimidation? What has happened?

In Creating Emotionally Safe Schools, Jane Bluestein offers a plan to return schools to havens of nurturing and learning. She examines environmental, historical, developmental, psychological, sociological, interpersonal, instructional and administrative factors that contribute to the emotional climate of an educational institution. This is a comprehensive view of what makes a school feel the way it feels, and what we can do to make it feel safe for every child—and every adult—who walks through its doors.

Emotional safety has many dimensions, such the impact of the family and early development, childhood stress and coping, the changing role of the school, acceptance and emotional support, respect and belonging, temperament and labels, gangs and violence, instructional strategies, learning styles and multiple intelligences, teacher training and support, and the inherent need for a sense of community.
The message Jane Bluestein brings is information, programs and solutions are available that can ultimately make our schools inviting, inspiring, and, yes—safe.

Genres: Education

500 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

About the author

A dynamic and entertaining speaker, Dr. Bluestein has worked with thousands of educators, counselors, healthcare professionals, parents, childcare workers and other community members world-wide. She has appeared internationally as a speaker and talk-show guest, including several appearances as a guest expert on CNN, National Public Radio and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Dr. Bluestein specializes in programs and resources geared to provide practical and meaningful information, training and hope in areas related to relationship building, effective instruction and guidance, and personal development. Much of her work focuses on interactions between adults and children, especially children at risk. Her down-to-earth speaking style, practicality, sense of humor, and numerous stories and examples make her ideas clear and accessible to her audiences.

Jane is an award-winning author whose books include Creating Emotionally Safe Schools; High School’s Not Forever; 21st Century Discipline; Being a Successful Teacher; Parents in a Pressure Cooker; Parents, Teens, & Boundaries; The Parent’s Little Book of Lists: Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Parenting; Mentors, Masters, and Mrs. McGregor: Stories of Teachers Making a Difference; and Magic, Miracles & Synchronicity : A Journal of Gratitude and Awareness. Dr. Bluestein’s latest books include The Win-Win Classroom and a companion facilitator’s guide.

Formerly a classroom teacher (in inner-city Pittsburgh, PA), crisis-intervention counselor, teacher training program coordinator, and volunteer with high-risk teens at a local Day Treatment Program, Dr. Bluestein currently heads Instructional Support Services, Inc., a consulting and resource firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Reviews

[Sally]

This book was given to me by our local high school guidance counselor. She told me not to be alarmed when I read notes written on the sidelines that say, "tell Sally this".For those who know my world, and know Kayla is coming back, you would understand why this book was given to me...even though Kayla will not be in my home.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a WONDERFUL book! I love the fact that it complements the work of Dr. William Purkey (Invitational Education) and Dr. William Glasser (Quality School). It is filled with so many great concepts and ideas that I look forward to implementing.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for any teacher, counselor or school administrator. Full of information on how to create an emotionally safe classroom.