Dr. Saab Shares Classroom Strategies 
for Teachers "Responding to Crisis"
 
 
 
 

"If a child is coming into your classroom worried (because of their lack of understanding of time and space) about an airplane dropping a bomb on their classroom, do you think they are ready to learn about parallel lines?"

A large group of teachers and future teachers gathered on November 8th to hear associate professor Joy Faini Saab discusss "Responding to Crisis: The Role of the Teacher in Times of Terrorism."

Dr. Saab related overhearing a backseat full of third graders discussing the intricacies of anthrax, she said, "and I knew that this year teaching was going to be different than it had ever been for us before."

"Take your cues from the kids," she urged.  Acknowledging their feelings and helping them to feel safe should guide teachers' responses.  "But the students in every classroom are unique and your actions will be unique also," she added.

Balance, she explained, is the key to a teacher's response.  You encourage knowledge of other cultures, Dr. Saab said, but you also use this as a time for students to learn more about their own heritage and symbols of patriotism.

Saab presented a rich array of ideas and materials for the classroom teacher: bibliographies, books, musical suggestions, materials for parents, and articles on the role of television in times of crisis.  Many future teachers stayed after the presentation to look at suggested books, pick up one of the flags Dr. Saab provided, or jot down suggested resources.

If you would like more information about these materials, contact Dr. Saab by email: jsaab@wvu.edu.

The event was sponsored by WV ProEd, a grassroots teachers' organization located in the College of Human Resources and Education that promotes professional development for teachers.

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