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Advice

Improving Schools: Why Do You Do What You Do?

We are all part of the school community and we all serve the whole child.
Published: June 19, 2020

We are all part of the school community and we all serve the whole child.

“I’ve been a hospital nurse for 38 years and a school nurse for 20 years, and I love to nurture in both the school and hospital setting—it’s part of my genetic makeup. I love to provide the hugs, encouragement, and inspiration that all children need.” —Carmen Hill

Carmen Hill is a school nurse in St. Louis, Mo. Throughout the day she dispenses medication; monitors students with asthma, diabetes, and severe allergies; performs first aid; helps children with ADHD; and attends to students with coughs, fevers, and sore throats (who possibly should have not attended school that day). In addition, Hill must also assess students for possible abuse, counsel students that are bullied, and, more often than not these days, provide snacks to students who are hungry.

“I have to take care of my kids so they can go back to class and learn,” she says. “There are many schools that don’t have a school nurse at all, but my school is fortunate to have a school nurse fulltime. If I wasn’t here, who would take care of the sick kids?”

“I know that with a lot of patience, understanding, and guidance, my students are capable of accomplishing anything any other student can.” —Saul Ramos

Saul Ramos has worked with visually impaired students in Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts for the past 15 years. Officially, his responsibilities as a Braillist include reproducing school materials, such as worksheets, textbooks, quizzes, and tests, into Braille using current computer technology. The main goal of his work, however, is to ensure that his students are fully integrated into their neighborhood public schools, become familiar with their surroundings, and become as independent as possible. Ramos’ students, who are blind or visually impaired, require adaptations to the school environment and a hands-on curriculum. He is there to ensure that they have what they need to excel and that they are motivated and challenged to reach their full potentials.

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National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.