“So, what’s it like?”

I have gotten this question again and again from my colleagues in the education world. They aren’t just being nice; they really want an answer. When one works in education, one is constantly looking for anecdotes, searching for strategies, comparing and contrasting, and looking for what works. A simple conversation over coffee is like a mini fact-finding mission. And those simple conversations are great opportunities to share what we are doing well. Student Support is an area where Cardin has an extraordinary advantage.

The role of Student Support at Cardin is a dynamic one, one that requires knowledge from several people in order to set students up for success.  We have the knowledge of Esther Gunther, who has helped many Cardin students make the leap from our small (but mighty) nest into the wide world of higher learning. We are very lucky to have Shannon Carney on our staff to help support students from an emotional and mental health standpoint. The need for academic support is where I come in. One of my roles is to support the teachers in helping them to serve all students, particularly those who might have difficulty in class for a variety of reasons. In addition to directly working with students, I am often involved in teacher consultation, parent meetings, and coordination with community professionals. We are so blessed to have a group of professionals who are committed to doing as much as possible to meet the needs of diverse learners, who are open to communication, and who are willing to work as a team.

When people have asked me “what it’s like,” here at Cardin, I can only say that it’s exceptional. Rarely does one walk into a school and feel so immediately at home. Our aim is to ensure that every student feels this way. At Cardin, we know that everyone has a different learning profile. We know that some students may need remediation in certain areas while others may need enrichment in order to have the best possible educational experience. Through professional collaboration, we have the agility and adaptability to give students what they need. That’s what it’s like here at Cardin (and I can’t wait to tell everyone).

 Elise Stack, Student Support Services