by David Hill
Editor
Joe Coles encouraged teachers from the nine area schools attending his motivation speech Thursday in Thief River Falls to take a proactive approach to school safety.
For the past several years, Northwest Service Co-op has provided a motivational speaker for school districts in its 12-county district. This year’s focus was a continuation of a motivational presentation on Rachel’s Challenge, a national effort dedicated to creating safe, connected school environments. It is named after Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine tragedy in 1999.
Coles is a native of the state of Kansas who has been an educator for more than 35 years. His experience includes being a teacher, coach, counselor, school administrator and athletic director. He has spoken to educators across the country. His passion is speaking to students and staff about bullying behaviors and school safety. Today, he travels across the country sharing his insights and experiences while working to further the Rachel’s Challenge mission to “start a chain reaction of kindness.”
In the minds of children and the community, teachers and school staff are persons of influence who make a difference in the lives of children. Coles said their attitude makes a huge difference.
Coles’ presentation was broken down into three areas: first, what should be done to prevent negative things from happening in schools; second, what should be the first response when things do happen; and third, what should happen in the days after something happens.
Coles talked about how people learn and stressed active learning to establish positive habits. Coles said he is convinced that the number one thing that stops bullying is empathy and it can be taught.
Coles also urged teachers to be proactive. He likened a reactive response to opening a can of pop after it has been shaken. “Someone hits you, and you respond by hitting back. That’s a reaction and it’s like opening a shaken can of pop. It creates a mess.”
Coles encouraged teachers to take notes and report incidents. Begin, he said, with the end in mind, and put first things first. That’s the proactive approach to school safety.
Throughout the presentation, Coles provided participants guidance and strategies for dealing with bullying, and meeting the needs of all kids.