STRETCH (Students Ready To Make Change): Making a Difference in the Lives of Students

Authors

Twila Lukowiak, Ed.D., James Ghareeb, B.S., Sarah Wadi, B.S., Samantha Stanis, B.S., Jack Walter
  • Twila Lukowiak, Ed.D. (Author) Bradley University image/svg+xml
    Dr. Twila Lukowiak. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University, Twila is a dedicated teacher whose continuing goal is to provide her students with the knowledge, encouragement, and foundation they need to become exceptional professional educators. Her research interests include academic strategies utilized to effectively teach students with specific learning disabilities and behavioral practices used to improve behaviors of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She is also extremely dedicated to efforts in order to end bullying.
  • James Ghareeb, B.S. (Author)
    James Ghareeb. Completing a double major of International Business and Marketing Global Supply Chain, James graduated from Bradley University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He has since toured throughout the United States playing his music for thousands of individuals. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois where he works full time in business and continues to touch the lives of others through his music.
  • Sarah Wadi, B.S. (Author)
    Sarah Wadi. As an Elementary Education Major, Sarah graduated from Bradley University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She is a dedicated elementary teacher who teaches her students not only essential academic skills, but how to treat each other with love and respect. She is a beloved mentor and role model to the students in which teaches and coaches.
  • Samantha Stanis, B.S. (Author)
    Samantha Stanis. Samantha is from a small suburb outside of the city of Chicago. She is double majoring in Elementary and Special Education at Bradley University. She will also be graduating with Middle School and Fine Arts endorsements in the spring of 2017. She is extremely excited to become a teacher in one year’s time and has the highest hopes of making an impact on the lives of each and every one of her students.
  • Jack Walter (Author)
    Jack Walter. Jack is beginning his junior year as an Accounting Major at Bradley University. He has traveled to numerous countries throughout the world, living in the United Kingdom for several years. He is extremely committed to children and is the Executive Founder of the Crusaders, a lacrosse team in Morton, Illinois. He founded this team to provide children and teenagers the opportunity to learn the skills required in the sport, importance of good sportsmanship, and to build their confidence and self-esteem.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.348
Described in this multifaceted article are various types of bullying and the potential long-term, harmful effects. The authors also depict a multitude of strategies for parents / guardians and teachers in assisting children who have suffered from bullying. Furthermore, the authors share their personal experiences with bullying and explain the reasons they are extremely passionate and dedicated in doing whatever is in their power to end bullying. Finally, a university student organization named STRETCH (Students Ready To Make Change) is introduced. Members of STRETCH create multi-media presentations to assist students in understanding the harms of bullying and the benefits of performing acts of kindness for all individuals. STRETCH members perform these entertaining presentations which consist of videos, personal stories, music, and educational activities to K-12 students in an effort to make a difference in their lives and letting them know they are not alone.

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Lukowiak, T., Ghareeb, J., Wadi, S., Stanis, S., & Walter, J. (2017). STRETCH (Students Ready To Make Change): Making a Difference in the Lives of Students. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 12(3), 78-94. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.348

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted August 8, 2017
  • Published October 15, 2017
  • Issue Fall 2017
  • Section Articles
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