Abigail Mealy

Department of Education, SUNY Cortland

EDU 340; Cultural LING DIV Learners

Professor Uliassi

March 5, 2024

Any effort or activity made to support, encourage, advocate for, or stand up for a specific

cause, problem, or group of people is referred to as advocacy. It could entail speaking up for,

fighting for, or protecting the welfare, rights, or interests of others; frequently, this is done in the

name of promoting social justice, equality, or constructive social change. Since we are educators

and role models, advocacy is vital. If you do not speak up, nobody else will. Pupils will observe

their teachers, take after them, and stand up for themselves. Teachers frequently speak up on

behalf of their children, pushing for more fair funding, better educational regulations, and

welcoming surroundings that promote learning opportunities for all. Additionally, they might

push for inclusive methods that cater to the needs and backgrounds of students from varied

backgrounds. Teachers are essential in helping students develop critical thinking abilities and

civic involvement. This helps students become knowledgeable, engaged citizens who can

advocate for causes that are important to them. Additionally, advocacy can be incorporated into

the curriculum to assist students in learning about environmental sustainability, social justice

issues, and other pertinent subjects. Instructors can involve students in advocacy projects by

implementing a variety of teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning. In order to

address structural problems with the educational system, teachers themselves may take up

advocacy activity. Examples of these activities include promoting more money, fewer class sizes,

or better working conditions. Because underprivileged pupils, such as those from low-income
households, members of racial or ethnic minorities, or those with special needs, frequently

confront. Teacher advocacy is needed to identify and address these inequities, ensuring that all

students have access to high-quality education, resources, and support services. Academic

performance can be hampered for many underprivileged pupils by things like institutional

prejudices or restricted access to resources. By advocating on their behalf, teachers can make

sure that these kids have the assistance, materials, and modifications they require to fulfill their

academic potential. When educators stand up for themselves, they are modeling self-advocacy

for their pupils. They serve as role models for their kids, who closely observe everything they do

daily. Students who are underprivileged may also experience emotional and social difficulties

because of their origins or identities. Every student has had a distinct upbringing, home life, and

cultural background. A welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students feel

appreciated, respected, and included can be established with the aid of teacher advocacy.

The problem and ongoing issue I am advocating for is the mental health of students.

Mental health is quite a common topic these days. Mental health is critically important because it

affects all aspects of a person's life. Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness,

but it is also characterized by positive emotions and healthy relationships. Advocating for mental

health involves raising awareness, advocating for policies, reducing stigma programs, and

services that support the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. My

concern and area of continual advocacy is students' mental health. With good cause, mental

health has emerged as a major problem in today's culture. Since COVID-19 has happened,

mental health issues have only gotten more common and worse. COVID-19 and school closures

impacted many children and adolescents' mental health and well-being. As teachers, it is

essential to listen to students' concerns and demonstrate understanding as well as empathy. Offer

your students the opportunity to have a one-to-one conversation with you to reconnect and
discuss any concerns that might have arisen when their school was closed (Ralaivita, line 12). It

would be a tragedy if we beat back one public health crisis only to allow another to grow in its

place… Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and they are

widespread. But most importantly, they are treatable, and often preventable (Murthy, line 6).

Mental health can take a toll on students and can affect them academically. Utilizing these data

for a Norwegian region, we found that 749 (31%) of the 2430 Norwegian full-time students

under the age of 35 responded to the survey. Symptoms of mental distress were measured using

the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) and academic self-efficacy was measured using a

Norwegian version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) tailored to the academic setting.

Demographic-, social, lifestyle, and study-related variables were included in the analyses (Kirsti

Grøtan, 2019). Students who are going through something mentally can affect them in the

classroom by being distracted and have no attention span. Supporting student mental health and

well-being has become a priority for schools. This was the case even prior to the increased signs

of child and youth mental health adversity in and after the pandemic (Wilcox, page 1). In

addition to being free from mental illness, good mental health is also defined by happy feelings

and wholesome connections. 

Promoting mental health requires a diversified strategy. It entails spreading knowledge

about the value of mental health and the various ways that it affects people. Being a teacher is so

crucially important that they are aware of their students feelings. Teachers spend more time with

their students then the students own parents do. It is so important for teachers to create a safe

environment. The environment a teacher creates can make students feel safe and loved. Creating

a “positive, safe, and affirming” environment at school will help students feel comfortable and

valued every time they set foot on campus (Navigate360). Supporting policies that promote

students' mental health and wellbeing is another aspect of advocating for mental health. This can
include regulations pertaining to mental health services accessibility, mental health education,

and assistance for pupils with mental health problems. Thirdly, a major component of supporting

mental health advocacy is lowering stigma. In addition to contributing to feelings of guilt and

loneliness, stigma can be a significant obstacle to getting treatment for mental health problems.

Promoting a culture of openness and acceptance about mental health and combating stigma are

key components of advocating for mental health.

There are many reasons why change is needed for pupils' mental health. The effect and

frequency of mental health problems among students are becoming more widely acknowledged.

Studies have indicated that a notable segment of students encounter mental health issues,

including stress, anxiety, and despair. Students' relationships, general well-being, and academic

achievement may all be significantly impacted by these problems. Also, there must be a shift in

how mental health is viewed and handled. Many students may feel ashamed or embarrassed to

talk about their concerns, and stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles to getting care

for mental health issues. At an early age such as elementary students, they can be easily

embarrassed and not fully understand why they feel a certain way compared to high school

students who have a better understanding. There is a strong need for more action with students

who experience mental health issues. There can be many steps taken to help and stop students

from feeling a certain way. It is so important to inform parents, teachers, students, and the public

about mental health, including the warning signs of mental illness and the options that can be

used to get treatment. By talking about mental health, students who are going through something

realize it is common and they are not alone. Ensuring students have access to mental health

resources like therapy and peer support groups. Classroom teachers should have a talk with their

students about mental health to make students who are experiencing these problems feel safe and

not alone. It's critical that educators have honest and compassionate discussions about mental
health with their students in the classroom. Students who feel comfortable, respected, and not

alone in their experiences can benefit from these conversations by helping to build a supportive

and understanding environment. Teachers can empower children to communicate their

challenges, worries, and emotions without fear of stigma or condemnation by discussing mental

health in an open and honest manner. Instructors might initiate these discussions by normalizing

mental health and stressing that experiencing stress, worry, or melancholy is OK. They can also

tell kids about prevalent mental health problems, how to spot warning signals, and where to go

for support if they need it. Some teachers may not know exactly what to do and that is okay but

there should be meetings at schools for teachers to learn about mental health and know how to

approach an issue when needed. Schools can provide training and support for teachers and staff

to help them recognize and respond to mental health issues in students. Teachers can work

collaboratively with other organizations and stakeholders, such as mental health organizations, to

support students' mental health and well-being. There are so many resources teachers can use to

understand how mental health affects their students mentally, physiclaly and academically. nIt is

so important to assist students' mental health and well-being.

Injustices and power disparities in society frequently cause or worsen mental health

problems. Racial minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and those who are poor are examples of

marginalized communities that may have greater prevalence of mental health problems because

of discrimination and lack of resources. Mental health disparities may worsen in many

communities due to a lack of accessible mental health care. It is necessary to address problems

with insurance coverage, transportation, and language barriers to address them. Mental health

issues affect individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status, and access to mental health

care can be a significant challenge for many people, particularly those from marginalized or low-

income communities. It's critical to recognize that mental health issues can impact anyone,
 regardless of their financial situation or social standing. For instance, individuals who are

struggling financially may face additional stressors that contribute to mental health issues, such

as job insecurity, housing instability, or limited access to resources. As teachers, you may

encounter students who are experiencing mental health issues but may not have access to the

necessary resources and support outside of the classroom. This is where your role as an educator

and mentor becomes even more crucial. By creating a safe and supportive environment in the

classroom, you can provide a valuable source of stability and understanding for students who

may be struggling with mental health issues.

Reference:
Navigate360. “How Schools Can Support Students Mental Health.” Navigate360, 21 Sept. 2023

“8 Ways Teachers Can Support Students’ Mental Health during COVID-19 School Returns.” UNICEF,

Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

Grøtan, Kirsti, et al. “Mental Health, Academic Self-Efficacy and Study Progress among College

Students – the Shot Study, Norway.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 8 Jan. 2019

Gabrielle Wilcox Associate Professor. “Concerned about Student Mental Health? How Wellness Is

Related to Academic Achievement.” The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2024