Bonnie J. Edwards
MA, MBE
WI, USBonnie J. Edwards has communicated with people since childhood and continues to make her mark on individuals she encounters in various setings such as education and communication learning environments. Bonnie's life focus changed dramatically after the passing of her mother.
Eight years ago, shortly before 911, Bonnie's mother, friend, and confidant died from heart and lung complications at West Allis Memorial Hospital. She was devastated. Bonnie felt as though her life was "sucked right out of her." Her mother's passing came at a time when Bonnie was writing a column for the Wisconsin Woman Magazine. The next issue would be written for Mother's Day. One of the last conversations Bonnie had with her mother was the possibility of becoming a teacher. Honestly, Bonnie didn't see it in her future but apparently her mother did. At that time she remembered what her mother said about her as an individual and what she said stuck with Bonnie. Bonnie's mother reminded her about the joy Bonnie got out of helping others. She also reminded Bonnie of how much she enjoyed being around people and her ability to work with children.
Reaffirmed by her mother, Bonnie is a natural communicator and have been all of her life. She loves people and have an insatiable enthusiasm for understanding the human condition. Bonnie love hearing about the stories of ordinary as well as extraordinary people. Bonnie tells it best, "My mother knew me well, better than I knew myself. She continues to influence me through her teachings as a mother, wife, mentor, and spiritual leader." Bonnie believes that people can learn a lot about what motivates individuals by listening to their stories.
Working in an urban school district has opened Bonnie's eyes to communication problems in need of immediate attention. Many students believe teachers don't listen to them. Some parents are feeling overwhelmed just with meeting the day to day needs of their children. Without question, a host of teachers are beginning to feel more and more isolated and classrooms are becoming more difficult to manage.
It is Bonnie's belief that some individuals will argue that communication is not the problem in today's schools. "According to some individuals, public education has not kept up with the demands of technology. Suggesting that this is the problem. Yes, technology has affected the way we live and communicate on a basic level. However, I believe the issues are greater, and more humane. Educators have an opportunity to learn about how communication theories can be used as strategies for understanding the human condition in school communities. For instance, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can help teachers understand why a student lacks motivation to learn. What about Johari's Window and the theory about the importance of self awareness can help teachers understand the need to be open to the ideas of parents on how to reach their children. Last but not least, how often do teachers and parents forget to praise children when they are making good choices? Albert Bandura says it well when he reminds us that children need to know that adults care and believe in them and in turn they will believe in themselves."
Bonnie's hope is to create a model for teachers and student interns to use immediately in their classrooms and within their school communities. She has started the process through the teachings she provide as an adjunct college instructor. The course through McPherson College Continuing Education program is titled, Interpersonal Communication: "Using Your Sphere of Influence." The core principles are basic. Making a connection with others for the purpose of building relationships is paramount for teaching in effective school communities. Bonnie's husband, Cary reaffirms this idea by making the case that "Using Your Sphere of Influence" is universal. In general, individuals need to communicate to be effective in all walks in life. Oftentimes, misunderstandings occur because individuals underestimate their ability to influence others toward positive change. Bonnie looks forward to building on her knowledge as a professional communicator and expanding on the idea of using her sphere of influence to help teachers, parents, students and the community at large to solve communication issues.
Bonnie is clear about her role as a professional communicator. Her goals and dreams always come back around to her mother. Bonnie's mother's teachings goes back to the basics of life. As educators and professionals, we should never underestimate our ability to influence in positive ways for the betterment of others.
Currently, Bonnie lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her inspiring husband, Cary. Bonnie has three adult children, son Danny and daughters Lisa and Mildred. Bonnie is a licensed middle school teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools, part-time adjunct instructor for McPherson College Milwaukee Center and she teaches part-time for Lakeland College - Department of Education in Milwaukee, WI. In Bonnie's spare time, she enjoys reading, and traveling. Currently, Bonnie is writing a children's novel on Character Education.
Bonnie J. Edwards has communicated with people since childhood and continues to make her mark on individuals she encounters in various setings such as education and communication learning environments. Bonnie's life focus changed dramatically after the passing of her mother.
Eight years ago, shortly before 911, Bonnie's mother, friend, and confidant died from heart and lung complications at West Allis Memorial Hospital. She was devastated. Bonnie felt as though her life was "sucked right out of her." Her mother's passing came at a time when Bonnie was writing a column for the Wisconsin Woman Magazine. The next issue would be written for Mother's Day. One of the last conversations Bonnie had with her mother was the possibility of becoming a teacher. Honestly, Bonnie didn't see it in her future but apparently her mother did. At that time she remembered what her mother said about her as an individual and what she said stuck with Bonnie. Bonnie's mother reminded her about the joy Bonnie got out of helping others. She also reminded Bonnie of how much she enjoyed being around people and her ability to work with children.
Reaffirmed by her mother, Bonnie is a natural communicator and have been all of her life. She loves people and have an insatiable enthusiasm for understanding the human condition. Bonnie love hearing about the stories of ordinary as well as extraordinary people. Bonnie tells it best, "My mother knew me well, better than I knew myself. She continues to influence me through her teachings as a mother, wife, mentor, and spiritual leader." Bonnie believes that people can learn a lot about what motivates individuals by listening to their stories.
Working in an urban school district has opened Bonnie's eyes to communication problems in need of immediate attention. Many students believe teachers don't listen to them. Some parents are feeling overwhelmed just with meeting the day to day needs of their children. Without question, a host of teachers are beginning to feel more and more isolated and classrooms are becoming more difficult to manage.
It is Bonnie's belief that some individuals will argue that communication is not the problem in today's schools. "According to some individuals, public education has not kept up with the demands of technology. Suggesting that this is the problem. Yes, technology has affected the way we live and communicate on a basic level. However, I believe the issues are greater, and more humane. Educators have an opportunity to learn about how communication theories can be used as strategies for understanding the human condition in school communities. For instance, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can help teachers understand why a student lacks motivation to learn. What about Johari's Window and the theory about the importance of self awareness can help teachers understand the need to be open to the ideas of parents on how to reach their children. Last but not least, how often do teachers and parents forget to praise children when they are making good choices? Albert Bandura says it well when he reminds us that children need to know that adults care and believe in them and in turn they will believe in themselves."
Bonnie's hope is to create a model for teachers and student interns to use immediately in their classrooms and within their school communities. She has started the process through the teachings she provide as an adjunct college instructor. The course through McPherson College Continuing Education program is titled, Interpersonal Communication: "Using Your Sphere of Influence." The core principles are basic. Making a connection with others for the purpose of building relationships is paramount for teaching in effective school communities. Bonnie's husband, Cary reaffirms this idea by making the case that "Using Your Sphere of Influence" is universal. In general, individuals need to communicate to be effective in all walks in life. Oftentimes, misunderstandings occur because individuals underestimate their ability to influence others toward positive change. Bonnie looks forward to building on her knowledge as a professional communicator and expanding on the idea of using her sphere of influence to help teachers, parents, students and the community at large to solve communication issues.
Bonnie is clear about her role as a professional communicator. Her goals and dreams always come back around to her mother. Bonnie's mother's teachings goes back to the basics of life. As educators and professionals, we should never underestimate our ability to influence in positive ways for the betterment of others.
Currently, Bonnie lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her inspiring husband, Cary. Bonnie has three adult children, son Danny and daughters Lisa and Mildred. Bonnie is a licensed middle school teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools, part-time adjunct instructor for McPherson College Milwaukee Center and she teaches part-time for Lakeland College - Department of Education in Milwaukee, WI. In Bonnie's spare time, she enjoys reading, and traveling. Currently, Bonnie is writing a children's novel on Character Education.
