Auburn sixth-grade teacher wins Maine Psychological Association award for transforming students’ mental health
Christine Samson’s dedication to her students’ well-being and social needs at Sherwood Heights has shown positive changes in their mental health and behavior.
AUBURN, Maine — Christine Samson has worked to make students feel welcome and connected for 18 years at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. Because of her efforts, students have seen improvements in their mental health, academics, and behavior.
Each morning, Samson’s sixth-grade class begins the day together.
Sitting together in a circle on the carpet, students hear about the day’s schedule and share what’s going on in their lives. They are encouraged to talk about their families or anything else they want to discuss.
Samson has been teaching for over 30 years, with 18 of those at Sherwood Heights in the same classroom where she was once a student herself. Her parents were also teachers. She always puts her students’ well-being first and makes sure the classroom feels safe before turning to academics.
“The kids are bringing new traumas. Most of the kids in any given classroom have something heavily on their minds,” Samson explained.
Shannon Canney, who is 11, used to struggle with making friends. In Samson’s class, everyone is respectful, and now Shannon has a close friend.
“It feels like I want to come to school more than I did at my other school,” Shannon said.
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Levi Copp, age 12, has moved in and out of foster care and has faced some challenges with his behavior.
“Instead of kicking me out, saying ‘Go to the office,’ and saying ‘You are done for the day,’ she keeps giving me more and more chances,” Levi explained.
When Levi needs a break, he goes to a small room near Samson’s classroom, where they can talk about what he’s thinking. He said that talking with his teacher and classmates has changed his school experience for the first time.
“I don’t think my day would be the same without that morning meeting every single day,” Levi said empathically.
The Maine Psychological Association recently gave Samson an Educator Recognition Award.
This award honors her way of supporting her students’ social and emotional needs.
The nonprofit represents more than 600 psychologists and psychological examiners throughout the state. Samson and two others were recognized for advancing positive mental health outcomes in their school districts.
Samson still keeps in touch with students who are now in their 30s. The skills she teaches continue to help improve the mental health of future generations.
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