Welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today we're exploring the concept of teaching as a human service. This discussion stems from a blog post I wrote in April 2018, where I shared advice with a fellow educator about integrating health and human services into the school curriculum.

In this episode, I recount a conversation with John, a former human service professional now working as a faculty member in a teacher preparation program. He shared the idea of viewing teaching as a human service, which resonated with me deeply. Education is not just about delivering content; it's about addressing the holistic needs of students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Incorporating Human Services into Education: Consider how health and human services can be part of what defines student success. Partner with organizations to meet student needs and incorporate specific learning outcomes related to practical life skills.
• Identifying Challenges: Engage with students and teachers to identify problems that hinder learning. Partner with services to address these challenges effectively.
• Practical Applications: Integrate subjects like math and English with life skills, such as financial literacy and completing essential paperwork. Use assignments that have direct benefits for students.
• Engaging Assignments: Allow students to choose topics or problems they are passionate about and guide them in researching and finding solutions.
• Service Learning: Use real-life problems and interdisciplinary approaches to teach problem-solving skills. Partner with community services and professionals to enhance learning experiences.

I also shared personal experiences, such as the importance of understanding and completing complex documents like those required for buying a home. This highlights the value of integrating practical life skills into the curriculum.

List of Human Services to Consider:

1. Health Care Services
2. Mental Health Services
3. Social Work Services
4. Housing Assistance
5. Food Assistance Programs
6. Child and Family Services
7. Domestic Violence and Abuse Services
8. Employment and Job Training Programs
9. Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
10. Disability Services
11. Legal Aid and Advocacy Services
12. Financial Assistance Services
13. Elderly and Aging Services
14. Community Development Programs
15. Crisis Intervention Services

Final Thoughts:

• Embrace the holistic approach to teaching.
• Partner with services that support student well-being.
• Encourage problem-solving and practical applications in education.
• Use assignments to address real-life challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. If you found this discussion valuable, please like, subscribe, share, and review the podcast to help others discover it. Until next time, take care and keep pushing forward in your educational journey.

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