How Education Equals Healing

During a patient's physical recovery, another type of healing is also taking place – through education. For patients at Shriners Children’s Texas, an on-site school provides a comforting routine. For the hospital's schoolteacher, Flor, this begins with a simple conversation. “I ask them what they like about school, what they’re good at, and what they might need help with. Then I adapt my lessons to meet them where they are,” said Flor.

Flor works closely with schoolroom coordinator Marja to create individualized academic plans for each student. “We can’t assume that just because a child is a certain age, they’re at a certain academic level,” Flor said. “Especially since many of our patients come from countries where the education systems are very different.”

One such student is 13-year-old Jimena, a patient from Mexico recovering from surgery at Shriners Children’s Texas to correct tibia vara, a rare leg deformity. Despite the challenges of being far from home and undergoing rehabilitation, Jimena remains focused on her education. “When I first got here, I was worried about missing school back home,” she said. “But my teachers send me the assignments, and Flor helps me, so I’m not worried anymore.” Along with her core schoolwork, Jimena also enjoys the supplemental activities that Flor provides.

Of course, Flor’s lessons cover core subjects like math, reading and science, but she also includes creative activities like baking soda volcanoes and art projects to keep her students’ learning engaging. Jimena, who enjoys painting and crafting bracelets, understands that balance. “I love painting nature, and right now, I’m working on a painting of a Shriner and a little girl walking along the beach,” she said.

Beyond academics, Flor also incorporates social-emotional learning strategies into her classroom. She recognizes that many of her students face emotional challenges alongside their physical recovery. “I treat them like they’re in school, not in a hospital,” said Flor. “I kid around with them, I redirect them – just like they would expect in a classroom.” As a bilingual Spanish speaker, Flor connects with students who may feel out of place. “I reflect on my own upbringing a lot, because I understand the frustrations of not knowing what people are saying.” Flor said. “I tell the students, ‘Let me know if I’m saying this wrong,’ and that gives them a sense of empowerment. It makes them feel like they can teach me something too.”

Looking ahead, Flor and Marja hope to engage students even more through field trips to museums and libraries. For now, Flor remains committed to providing the best education she can to every student. “It’s not just about preventing them from falling behind,” she said. “It’s about giving them something to look forward to, something that makes them feel like they’re not missing out on life.”