Have I told you how much I love my job? I love it so much that I take it so seriously. I have prayed for wisdom these past two weeks since I've posted last; wisdom to know what to say and how to nurture and interact with all of my students, but for one hurting student in particular. He is my new student. We have to prove to him that we are not like all other schools and we are not like all other teachers. We truly want to help him be the person God has made him to be. Of course, we don't say that directly in a public school, but isn't that our purpose...to help children become what their creator made in them?
He has tried to establish his aura of authority around himself, not wanting to look weak. Oh, but I see a little boy in him that wants someone to care. I see someone who has a good brain, who can accomplish much more than he has in the past. I see someone who I believe will be a different person by the end of this school year. He has tried looking tough, saying all the things I've heard from children who put up a turtle shell around them to keep out the pain of rejection. The only difference is that I don't reject him. I told him I believe in him. I believe he has great potential, even if we do ride that same roller coaster every day. A roller coaster of deep anger and frustration in the valleys and up to the mountaintop is extreme glee and cooperation. We may be making baby steps in progress, but I do see progress indeed!
This year has become extremely busy very quickly! We have already submitted grades for progress reports and six-week grades are right around the corner. We have had one ARD (Arrival, Review and Dismissal) meeting already and I have another one scheduled for Monday. So...the special education paperwork has begun in earnest!
Speaking of special education...I attended my first Special Education PLC (Professional Learning Community) meeting for this year at the Region VIII Education Service Center yesterday. Our team will have the opportunity throughout the school year to bring back some good information and training for special educators in our school district. There will be many things that we will be able to share with general education teachers, as well. I look forward to taking a greater leadership role in this area and helping to bridge the gap between special education and general education.
Now, for the week to come...
"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
---B. C. Forbes
No comments:
Post a Comment