The GED Test and a Job

I got a job! I am hearing it more and more with the students in the Learning Center. But equally, I am also hearing students talk about the job that they recently lost. Does this sound familiar?

There does seem to be a gradual increasing of job availability. How does this affect the students? Well, for some students they are switching the time that they are able to come to school and study. Some simply don't come back. Some, believe it or not, decide that their education is more important and say "no" to the job.

It is certainly understandable. These students, just like you and me, must put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. And... it perhaps means taking a job today that we would not have taken even 3 years ago.

It's a time of uncertainty and you need to help your students as best as you can. Help them with their resume and job interviewing skills. Will they need to take an entry math test for the job? They may need to brush up on their basic, and sometimes not so basic, math skills. Sometimes what they need is a friend who will "listen".

Students are grateful for what ever you can do to help.... so keep up the great work!

Stressed out?

Many students are experiencing stress these days. Perhaps the stress of not having a job is weighing on them, or the stress of reduced hours makes it difficult to put food on the table. Add to that the stress of not having a GED or HSED. They might be constantly wondering if THEY will be the next to be laid off. The cost of food, medical expenses and housing can also be a stress.

Stress is not "checked at the door". Students, whether they realize it or not, bring their problems into the classroom or lab. Teachers, tutors, and mentors need to recognize this and be sensitive to it.

Make your classroom lab environment as stress-free as possible. Greet them as soon as they arrive and be sure to say "good-by" when they leave. Have a basket filled with candy or fruit. Some students may arrive without having anything to eat. As we all know, we can function better with food in our stomachs. Finally, talk to them about their goals and get them to think about life "beyond the GED". What are their dream? What will they be doing in 1, 2, or 5 years? How will they accomplish their goals and make their dreams come true?