Teachers

How Your Class Can Help

Character Education

Many school districts across the United States are teaching more than just the three r’s. They are now focusing on teaching character education. Dr. Thomas Lickona, a developmental psychologist and Professor of Education at the State University of New York at Cortland, defines character education as “the deliberate effort to help people understand, care about, and act upon core ethical values.” In his landmark book, Educating for Character, Dr. Lickona asserts that “when we think about the kind of character we want for our children, it’s clear that we want them to be able to judge what is right, care deeply about what is right, and then do what they believe to be right—even in the face of pressure from without and temptation from within.”

The Jacksonville Humane Society’s Humane Education Department offers educational presentations that focus on many of the character traits that the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program lists as the “Six Pillars of Character”: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The presentations focus on many animal welfare issues, including how to be a responsible pet owner, how to be kind to animals and obeying laws related to pet ownership. A visit by a shelter animal, a video on dog bite prevention and handouts are available to help supplement the presentation.

We are scheduling educational activities for the summer of 2008. If you are interested in a visit to your school or camp by the Jacksonville Humane Society or a tour of the Jacksonville Humane Society, email education@jaxhumane.org.

Donation Drive

Your students can help the homeless animals at the Jacksonville Humane Society by having a class or school-wide food/supply drive. Often children feel the desire to help, but feel helpless in their ability to lend a hand. A food/supply drive is an easy way for children to pitch in and help our homeless animals. Click on the Wish List link for a list of items. A presentation from the Jacksonville Humane Society and a visit from a furry friend could help kick off your food/supply drive.

Coins for Cats and Canines

Have your students collect spare change for our cats and dogs through the Mend-A-Friend program. This program was established to provide urgent veterinary care for cruelty or abuse cases, or for injured stray or abandoned animals. This fund provides care for animals during surgery and rehabilitation.

Service Projects

Your class could also participate in a service project at the Jacksonville Humane Society. We have over 10 acres of property that need to be maintained on a regular basis. Service projects could include general maintenance in our Pet Cemetery.