Last week marked the beginning of a new school year for our boys at Genesis. Though they attend school on campus, their teachers are contracted through Edmond Public Schools, ensuring that they receive a quality education tailored to their unique needs. This year, we are excited to welcome a new assistant teacher, Ms. Schaffer, who will be working alongside Ms. Sowers to provide our boys with the support and encouragement they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Ms. Sowers, who has been with us for several years, shared her goals for the year: “My goal this year is to help the boys believe in themselves and their abilities, to not be afraid to trust in others, and to understand that they control their destiny. If the boys can understand and embrace these things, then the academics will fall into place. I want every one of our boys to see their growth in the areas of Reading and Math and not to fear school.” She acknowledges the challenges that come with addressing the boys’ individual needs but emphasizes the importance of consistency and care. “When it gets down to it, all the boys' needs are the same. They need to feel valued & that someone is out there who cares. Every one of them has lost significant people in their lives and been abused by those who were supposed to take care of them. They have learned to not trust anyone and not to get attached because those things mean pain. By listening to them, being honest and consistent with them, and standing firm, that is how their individual needs will be met.”
Having worked with many of the boys for two to three years, Ms. Sowers finds joy in watching their growth, not just academically but emotionally and socially. This year, she has implemented a new rewards system in the classroom and focuses on creating a positive learning environment. “Working with the boys on treating each other with respect and being mindful of what they say and what they do will help create a positive learning environment. The boys feeling safe in the classroom is critical for them to grow academically, emotionally, and socially.”
Ms. Sowers’ emphasis on emotional well-being is clear in her approach to teaching. “You may have noticed that my emphasis has been more on the emotional well-being of the boys rather than the academics at this point. That is because if a child doesn't have their basic needs met, academics cannot take place.
“I teach them every day, but what I am also doing is, hopefully, building trust with them and helping them feel safe. If a boy wants to talk about things from their past, I let them talk. If something is hurtful to a boy, none of us are to talk about it. Observing how the boys are feeling when they enter the classroom tells me what I can and cannot do academically with them that day. I never know exactly what I will be doing each day until they come in and "tell" me. What they need is what we will do,” Sowers said.
This year, we also welcomed Ms. Schaffer, our new paraprofessional, who brings fresh energy and dedication to the classroom. When asked about her academic goals for the boys, Ms. Schaffer shared, “My academic goal for the boys is to help and encourage them to build their reading and math skills so they will feel more confident in themselves.” She also highlighted the importance of nurturing the boys' unique talents, saying, “Each of the boys has unique gifts. I plan on encouraging them to keep working on their gifts and following their dreams.”
Ms. Schaffer’s approach extends beyond academics, focusing on life skills and personal growth. “To teach them how to care for themselves and others,” she stated, emphasizing her belief in their potential. “I believe that everyone has great potential. I am hoping that I can help them believe in themselves and know they can be anything they want to be, but also understand that they may have to work hard to achieve their goal.” Given the diverse educational levels of the students, Ms. Schaffer is committed to meeting each boy where they are and helping them achieve their individual goals.
“We have students at different levels of education, so I plan on helping each student at their own level, to help them achieve their goals.”
This year, our boys are not just returning to school; they’re stepping into a space designed to nurture their growth in every aspect of their lives. The focus at Genesis is not just on academics but on creating an environment where the boys can feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. As we continue through the school year, we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and celebrating their successes, both big and small.
