Janet M. Irvine

This author writes with sensitivity and imagination, accuracy and insight, about the many ramifications of bullying in schools. The underbelly of high school culture and the forces that create "terrorists" and "targets" weave a tale of action and adventure in When Push Comes to Shove Back. Always an admirer of "a good read," Janet Irvine focuses her writing on the art of storytelling, the realism of the tumultuous teenage years, the complexity of teen characters and motives, and the allure of mystery, suspense, and intrigue.

It is her belief that appealing and readable novels about bullying must become part of school curricula so that every student 1. reads about, discusses, and reflects upon bullying and its consequences, 2. becomes familiar with appropriate personal defences and responses, and 3. recognizes the responsibility and the power of bystanders.

Born on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, Janet was educated, earned her first degree, and taught for four years in Northern Ontario. She has spent most of her life working with, and advocating for, teens. As an educator - a teacher, a special education department head, a vice principal - she focused on the untapped potential she saw in young people. As the director of many high school musicals and as keyboardist in a student/teacher rock band, she worked with teenagers through music and drama, and she has been coach/adviser to everything from volleyball to student travel. Her career, her extensive involvement in extracurricular activities, and her community service earned her the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Provincial Award for "Distinguished Service to Education and Community."

Current Activities:

Author

Editor

Educational Consultant

Entrepreneur: Owner of Alz Well That Enz Well, Inc.

Public Speaker / Trainer: Topics include education, bullying, parenting, and care giving

Consulting resource writer for SchoolReach and the Cyberbullying Hotline, USA.

Member of the Police Services Board

Vice Chair of the Northumberland Community Counselling Centre Board of Directors.

Liaison with Rebound Child and Youth Services and On TRAC, a program addressing the needs of children and youth at risk of violence

Relevant history: member and chair of various crisis response teams, safe schools committees, special needs committees, gifted education groups, and school and regional 'at risk' task forces ... liaison between local police departments and students ... volunteer policy writer for caregiver services.

Education: Master of Education, postgraduate accreditations in English and psychology, reading specialist, special education specialist, principal's qualifications.

Visit www.whenpushcomestoshoveback.blogspot.com