An Inside Look at the Real Job of Teaching

By Michelle Bourg

Teaching has to be one of the most rewarding professions out there. Helping to mold the next generation, seeing “the light come on” when they finally grasp an elusive concept, watching as their confidence and skills grow day by day and experiencing wonder and fascination through the eyes of a child—teachers cite all these things as inspirations to enter the field and what continues to motivate them in the classroom during every school year.

Tips to Help Your Child Cope

By Larry Anderson

Any student can tell you: Tests cause stress. That stress can come from many places. Most students want to perform well on tests, so a little anxiety is natural. On top of that, children—especially teenagers—can be subject to a swirling mass of emotions, causing them to doubt and criticize themselves. They may feel pressure to perform as well as their friends. And then they may feel pressure from their parents, especially when it comes to the SAT, which many colleges and universities use to measure a student’s readiness for college.

How to Ensure a Smooth Transition

By E. Marcel Pourtout and Michelle Bourg

As the old saying goes, “Nothing is constant except change.” All change requires some adjustment, and a move is right up at the top of the list. This can be difficult for adults, let alone for children, who thrive on routine and have fewer coping skills.

From preschool to college, starting or changing schools is a dramatic—potentially traumatic—milestone. School is where children establish an identity and relationships outside the family; changing schools means establishing friendships all over again. When you combine this with a move, the stress levels can increase exponentially.

However, there are simple strategies you can follow to ease your family’s transition to both a new home and a new school.