The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
My director has a section on our
meeting agenda called Quotes to Ponder. This
quote appeared on the agenda for the June meeting. This is what I want to give – just a little
extra.
What inspires me is the children. I
am raising a child with special needs and it has been one battle after another
with the school. Even though he has been
going to this school since he was four, it seems that each year and each
teacher is like starting from the beginning. I truly believe that if the
teachers were educated in special education that parents would not have to
fight this battle. I am also in the classroom. I know what a blessing it would
be to have someone that could give the special child the one-on-one attention
that they crave. I just don’t feel like I am being fair to the class as a whole
when I can’t give them 100%.
Fortunately I have not faced any
challenges. Everyone loves the idea of a third set of hands in the classroom,
especially since they won’t have to pay for it. I am anxious about starting to seek
volunteers. It won’t work if I don’t have any.
I think that the most effective help
will come from my director and the employees where I work. I continue to have
conversations with them. I try to keep them updated on my progress and value their
feedback. It also helps that they are all on board.
I can encourage others in their
advocacy efforts by sharing my experience. If this is a successful endeavor
then I will share that also. Others have been encouraging by asking questions
and showing interest in my plan.
I really enjoyed your quote. Its so simple, yet so powerful. I too have a son with special needs and I can relate to the struggles of dealing with teachers and other school staff who do not understand. I think you are working towards a great cause.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how a little extra go a long way. Many times I have heard teachers say things like, “That’s not part of my job” or “it’s not my turn to do that.” Those teachers need to either retire or get a new job. Having a special needs child in the classroom not only benefits the special needs child, but it also helps the other children. The Social skills that are enhanced while having a special ed child are like no other. I can understand you when you say that you feel like your time is divided with the other children and the special Ed child, but to be honest, you can never give all the children your 100% attention. There are too many children in one room and there is only one of us. Don’t beat yourself up for that. As long as you are giving that little extra, you are doing a wonderful job!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to find effective and responsive teachers. Special education means that children need more one to one instruction and educators need to be patient. I think that patience is a gift and for some people a difficult skill to learn. I have been working in the special education field for 6 years and I absolutely love the children I work with and enjoy building relationships with them. Not a day goes by where I don't learn something new about my students and myself.
ReplyDelete