Care Compassion and Concern Quotient (Cccq)
Michael F. Shaughnessy
Abstract
Teachers are arguably one of the most potent factors in the growth and development of children across the world. Teachers often spend much more time with children than their own parents. However, there is concern about suicide, drugs, alcoholism and negative behavior. This paper explores some relevant issues regarding the amount of care, concern, compassion that is expressed by teachers and the resultant impact on student mental health. Teachers permeate the lives of children. From kindergarten to university, the adult in the front of the room has an impact on all children- be it good or bad. While the impact of teaching is typically measured in student achievement growth scores, one ultimate factor that is often not assessed or evaluated is the mental health of the child. The teacher is a role model, often a mentor, on occasion a coach, and still at other times, a confidant and confident. The teacher observes, listens, and on occasion expresses the fact that they are concerned about the short term and long term doings of their students.