NCJ Number
206423
Journal
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2004 Pages: 9-13
Editor(s)
Bob Geffner
Date Published
2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how a university teacher-education program in Wyoming strengthened its curriculum to help pre-service teachers learn how to work effectively with children and families that live with violence.
Abstract
This article describes an elementary-education program at the University of Wyoming that worked to provide better preparation for students to work with families living with violence. Students need to know about abuse and their roles and responsibilities in working with families living in stressful situations. They need to know how to help children each day in their classrooms. Six goals were developed for the program: (1) collaborate with professionals in the community to model networking; (2) design and implement a speaker series comprised of professionals; (3) establish a library with resources focusing on social issues impacting children and their families; (4) integrate information and readings into each course in the program; (5) encourage students to reflect on the topics and become researchers themselves; and (6) work together as a faculty to learn more about children and families who live in violence. The additional education provided to students on child abuse and domestic violence helps them to be more informed reporting that they feel they are making good decisions for children and can respond well during critical times in children’s lives. Students learn that they need to be a voice for all children, knowing that making the world a safe place for children is everyone’s responsibility.