Glenda Dickonson

Interviewed for and featured in article entitled "Untangling Trauma and Grief After Loss" published in the May 2021 edition of Counseling Today.

Three features that bring value to teaching are (1) fostering a positive relationship, (2) clarity in presentation of information, and (3) fairness in approach. My statement of teaching highlights each feature as valuable to the classroom experience.

Fostering a positive relationship: One of the benefits of building a positive relationships with students is safety. Students who feel safe to speak up in class, volunteer for assignments, and inform an instructor about their inability to understand lessons without feeling that they might be judged unfairly, tend to thrive. My goal is to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect with my students where they can feel safe to learn and seek guidance when needed. Clarity in presentation of information: I believe that a good instructor should tailor the curriculum to increase students’ chances of receiving information accurately and clearly. My approach to teaching is to recognize how my students learn and provide them with the best opportunity for success. Because I have an active practice, I can create scenarios that bring life to the instruction and present treatment modalities in the context of real-life events. Classroom role-play, case conceptualizations, and short videos can enhance the way I present concepts. My goal is always to be clear and accommodating to allow my students the best opportunity to learn. Fairness in approach. It is very important to me that bias does not inadvertently insert itself in my pedagogy. I believe that the classroom should offer a welcoming and fair environment where all students would have an equal opportunity to thrive. It should be inclusive of the unique qualities that my students might have where everyone is treated fairly. My goal is to give my students an equal chance at success and avoid any real or implied bias within my classroom.

Fostering a positive relationship: One of the benefits of building a positive relationships with students is safety. Students who feel safe to speak up in class, volunteer for assignments, and inform an instructor about their inability to understand lessons without feeling that they might be judged unfairly, tend to thrive. My goal is to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect with my students where they can feel safe to learn and seek guidance when needed.

Clarity in presentation of information: I believe that a good instructor should tailor the curriculum to increase students’ chances of receiving information accurately and clearly. My approach to teaching is to recognize how my students learn and provide them with the best opportunity for success. Because I have an active practice, I can create scenarios that bring life to the instruction and present treatment modalities in the context of real-life events. Classroom role-play, case conceptualizations, and short videos can enhance the way I present concepts. My goal is always to be clear and accommodating to allow my students the best opportunity to learn. Fairness in approach. It is very important to me that bias does not inadvertently insert itself in my pedagogy. I believe that the classroom should offer a welcoming and fair environment where all students would have an equal opportunity to thrive. It should be inclusive of the unique qualities that my students might have where everyone is treated fairly. My goal is to give my students an equal chance at success and avoid any real or implied bias within my classroom.

Clarity in presentation of information: I believe that a good instructor should tailor the curriculum to increase students’ chances of receiving information accurately and clearly. My approach to teaching is to recognize how my students learn and provide them with the best opportunity for success. Because I have an active practice, I can create scenarios that bring life to the instruction and present treatment modalities in the context of real-life events. Classroom role-play, case conceptualizations, and short videos can enhance the way I present concepts. My goal is always to be clear and accommodating to allow my students the best opportunity to learn.

Fairness in approach. It is very important to me that bias does not inadvertently insert itself in my pedagogy. I believe that the classroom should offer a welcoming and fair environment where all students would have an equal opportunity to thrive. It should be inclusive of the unique qualities that my students might have where everyone is treated fairly. My goal is to give my students an equal chance at success and avoid any real or implied bias within my classroom.

Fairness in approach. It is very important to me that bias does not inadvertently insert itself in my pedagogy. I believe that the classroom should offer a welcoming and fair environment where all students would have an equal opportunity to thrive. It should be inclusive of the unique qualities that my students might have where everyone is treated fairly. My goal is to give my students an equal chance at success and avoid any real or implied bias within my classroom.

I chose to enter the field of psychology as an access to counseling. I am a helper and being a counselor allowed me to fulfill that helping role in the best way that I could. Psychology facilitated the knowledge I needed to hone my skills. More specifically, psychology helped me to understand my clients' mental processes - how their minds and bodies worked. It also allowed me to recognize how the human potential manifested, often from an unconscious perspective, and it expanded my focus to include social, emotional, and health-related outcomes for my clients, and later, for my students.

Be open to learning. Approach each day with positivity and flexibility. The Chicago School is a wonderful institution with excellent teachers who are dedicated to your success. Open your minds and hearts to receiving the knowledge that will be presented to you. Be prepared for class, engage in discussions, keep up with assignments, and schedule time for self-care.