Educators Become Health Heroes: Battling Absenteeism in Baltimore Schools
Baltimore Teachers Step into New Roles
In an innovative and heartening move, two dedicated Baltimore City teachers have tackled a persistent issue that was affecting their students’ education. Chronic absenteeism, exacerbated by dire health challenges, was pulling students away from their classrooms. But with a fresh approach, these educators are fostering change.
Health Challenges Keep Students at Home
The heart of the problem lay in health conditions like asthma, which emerged as significant contributors to absenteeism. “The whole culture surrounding COVID kind of exacerbated an issue that was already there,” says LaShawn McClary, a teacher at Armistead Gardens Elementary School.
Kendra Summers, her colleague from Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School, adds, “We have a really high asthma rate in our school.” Limited community resources further compounded these issues, especially in neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Baltimore, which is geographically isolated.
Embracing the Role of Community Health Workers
To address these challenges, McClary and Summers trained as community health workers, thanks to the support of Johns Hopkins’ nonprofit Medicine for the Greater Good. This initiative marks a pivotal shift in how educators can play an integral role in community health.
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, co-director of Medicine for the Greater Good, strongly supports this approach, highlighting, “These teachers are so close to the problems and they know the solutions.” This strategy underscores community-led interventions for community-specific issues.
Turning Education into Actionable Health Solutions
Empowered with new skills and knowledge, McClary and Summers have implemented pragmatic solutions to mitigate health barriers. Armistead Gardens has launched programs to distribute fresh food and teach families to construct DIY air filters. Meanwhile, at Maree G. Farring School, innovative asthma education sessions and immunization clinics have been introduced.
These efforts aren’t just theoretical; they are making tangible impacts. Farring’s absenteeism rate, for instance, has seen a remarkable 18% decrease in a single year.
The Future of Education and Health in Baltimore
With a promising school year ahead, the educators are gearing up for apprenticeships. Dr. Galiatsatos envisions a future where every Baltimore City school boasts a community health worker, ensuring comprehensive support for health-related issues that deter school attendance.
Through these proactive measures, Baltimore educators are not just teaching but transforming lives and communities by bridging the gap between education and health. According to CBS News, this is a testament to how community-driven solutions can effect profound change.
