A modern school urgently needs support and development of a system of social and psychological support for students. Increasing the level of child crime, teenage drug abuse, virtual aggression and computer addiction, the lack of a system of universal human values (communication skills, tolerance, culture) among the younger generation are acute problems not only for the school, but also for the whole society. It is impossible to solve them without the work of specialized specialists - psychologists and social educators.
The work of a social educator at school includes interaction with children, youth, adolescents and their parents, the study of the family and household environment, youth groups and associations.
Thus, the main area of activity of a specialist - a social educator - is society (the field of human relations of an individual and his close environment).
In modern conditions, family relations are a priority. The social teacher at the school works with children, the families in which they live, the family’s neighborhood, and the main goal of his activity is the organization of socially significant preventive work in the society of children and adults. The practical activities of a specialist - a social educator include a wide area of work directly with a child who has problems of socialization with the surrounding society
Depending on the profile of specialization, a social teacher can work in schools, pre-school educational institutions, lyceums, gymnasiums, institutions of additional education, orphanages, boarding schools, universities, colleges and other institutions.
A social teacher at the school organizes educational work in classes, groups, dormitories aimed at creating a personality culture, helps children adapt to life in society, instills respect for the world and nature.
In addition, the social teacher at the school studies the psychological and pedagogical characteristics of the individual and the microenvironment associated with it, identifies needs and interests, problems and difficulties, conflict situations, children's living conditions, and deviations in their behavior. He provides timely social support and assistance to pupils and students.
The social educator in the school is an intermediary between the educational institution, family, authorities and the individual. His work contributes to the realization of the freedoms and rights of students, creates a comfortable and safe environment, and protects the health and life of students.
The duties of a social educator include interaction with teachers and parents (guardians), social workers, youth and family employment services and other bodies created to assist children who need guardianship (guardianship), children with physical disabilities and those who got into an extreme situation.
An analysis of the work of the social educator shows that his activity also consists in participating in the development, implementation and approval of the educational programs of the school, he is responsible for the quality of their performance within the limits of his competence.
A social teacher interacts with class leaders, conducts consultations, seminars, teacher councils, speaks at parent meetings. Work with dysfunctional families consists of visiting children at home, individual conversations with parents, he is engaged in a survey of living conditions, organizes children's summer vacations. In addition, the social teacher attends classes, conducts questionnaires, participates in school-wide events and classroom hours.