When the time comes for me to have my own classroom, it will be a special needs class, ideally special needs kindergarten. My heart has always been in special ed, and though I value all children, I have found special ed to be the most rewarding.
My mom was a special needs teacher and I grew up in her class playing with her students, seeing them as nothing but equals. I knew that they were different, but so is everyone. My dad was quadriplegic for the last couple years of his life, so the adaptive equipment, therapists in and out, and learning how to appreciate all abilities, no matter how small, were part of my everyday life.
I think that both of these situations contributed to my passion for special education. For the last seven years I have worked at a special needs preschool, having had my own classroom these last two summers, and I couldn't love it more. It's hard, emotionally and physically exhausting, often messy, and things rarely go as planned, but it's worth it. Every so often you stop and realize just how far a child has come (seeing first steps at five years, witnessing a mother hear her child call for her by name after waiting for three years) and everything you've done is without a doubt, worth it.
My fieldwork placement is in a third grade classroom at Hall Fletcher Elementary. My first visit isn't till Thursday, but I have high hopes that my spent there will be a great experience. Mrs. Duquet, my host teacher, seems extremely kind and dedicated. She said that there were many high needs students in her class this year so I hope to learn how and observe her differentiate instruction for all different subjects.
*Photo Credit: Jillian L. Taken Summer 2007 from a science lesson during Constraint Induced Therapy Week at The Meyer Center, Greenville SC.
1 comment:
Jillian-
I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
I believe that tragedy can help define and give meaning to our lives.
Amani
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