A Little Slice of Normal

A day in the life of a special education teacher, photo journalist style! I really should have my students take these, since their perspective is much more interesting than mine, but here is the start of something I hope to continue as the year progresses. 

Emotions were high today, as we began to process as a school, community, and nation what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary. First off, I must compliment my staff. They were so strong, supportive, and loving (as usual) as we faced the many needs of our student and parent population. I am so grateful to work with such an outstanding group of educators. With that, many of my kiddos on the spectrum struggled with regulating their emotions today so I did a lot of reassuring, holding hands, rubbing backs, and giving breaks. In between all the hubbub of calming voices and patient smiles, I was able to see some of my regular groups and have a little fun. These were well needed moments of normalcy for my students, my assistants, and me.

One of my girls finished part of our reading program and did so well, we decided she deserved a nail painting party. Here we are, glamming out!

Math group fun! While one student serenaded us with "Gangnam Style," we built numbers using our base ten blocks. 

One of my math group girls adoring me and begging me for homework! 

Countdown to Shadow Day! The kids are so excited to "buy" gifts for their parents.  I love how hard they work and how much they care for others.

The "Top Secret" problem that one of my second graders made was revealed to the class. Tricky tricky! I love that he's using algebra and doesn't even know it! Can you solve this without lifting the flap?

 Bonus: Here are two gem conversations I had with one of my favorite students. I am always a little shocked at what he says, but love the perspective and humor he brings to my day. I warn you now, he has no filter.

Second Grader (after returning from boys' bathroom): I peed on myself!
Me: No, I think that's just water.
SG: No, it's pee! When I was going, it was sticking straight up and pee just went everywhere! I have never had that happen to me! It was these jeans- they just made it stick up! I couldn't control it!
Me (trying not to laugh): Okay, no problem. We should probably go clean your jacket. Did it get anywhere else?
SG: On my shoes, and the wall. It just splashed everywhere!
Me (slowly giving him the once over): I... I think you have some on your forehead...
SG: Oh, that must be why my hair is wet. I told you, it was just sticking straight up!

Not too long after, as we are headed to lunch and we pass a sixth grade gal with purple hair:

SG: I really can't stand being around her.
Me: Who? Her (pointing to the girl with purple hair)?
SG: YES! I just can't stand looking at the color of her hair- it is so ugly!
Me: You don't like the purple?
SG: No, doesn't she know how dumb she looks?!
Me: I guess not. But you don't need to tell her. We keep things like that to ourselves.
SG: Well someone should tell her. It really is ugly.

I love my job.

The Spirit of Giving

I took a break from this blog, but today I just had to come back so I could share the overwhelming generosity of others. I was so overjoyed this morning that I was in tears. I cannot express fully how amazing it is to have the chance to work with such incredible people and organizations.

To begin, this last Sunday, our counselor posted a Donors Choose project to their website (DonorsChoose.org) that will benefit several of my students. The project was asking for donations to purchase noise canceling headphones and iPods to use with them, as well as pod chairs, which our PTA is donating to us. With almost $400 needed to fund the project, I was worried we would struggle to raise the money we would need. Through several emails, on many people's part, we were able to raise all the money by late Wednesday evening! Talk about fantastic! As I read the list of people who donated, I was floored and also impressed at the kindess of the people who are in my life, be it family, friends (both old and new), coworkers, or friends of friends who just believe in education. How lucky are we? But this was only the beginning.

After we raised our money, I received a few emails from people who had heard about our project, saying to keep them in mind in the future because they believe in education and would rather donate to a cause and person they can see the benefit in over some unknown organization... Well okay then! Why yes, I believe I will save your email address, thank you very much!

But the icing on the cake came last night, as I was lounging on the couch. During a commercial break, I noticed I had a text message. While I didn't at first recognize the number, I was curious to know who would be texting me at this hour on a Friday night. I was surprised to see it was another special education teacher in the district and she was asking me if I would be interested in participating in the Shadow Project. Now, if you don't know anything about the project, you should check it out. On their web page, this is their description of their organization:

"The Shadow Project partners with special education teachers to help close the achievement gap for students with complex learning challenges. Just as wheelchair ramps foster independence for persons with physical disabilities, The Shadow Project helps make learning accessible for boys and girls whose 'invisible' disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, autism and communications disorders. We serve 28 Portland-area schools, providing life-changing classroom enrichment that helps struggling students reach goals and turn "I can't" into "I can!" "

One of the many ways they do this is by funding incentive boxes and positive behavior support systems. They also do trainings with the SPED teachers and have support groups to promote positive collaboration with teachers with similar students. (!!!) I, of course, am beyond elated to have this opportunity! I have heard great things about the Shadow Project and have been trying to get into it since I started at my current school, five years ago. So, of course, I immediately replied that I would love to and my friend said she would have someone from the organization contact me.

Not surprisingly, this morning, as soon as I finished brunch, I got the call from one of the program directors. She explained that they were in a rush to find a school in my district to receive the grant, since apparently no one had applied this year. When the very nice director lady asked my friend who she thought would be a good school to receive their support, my friend directed her to me. The director said with such kind things being said about my school and myself, she was eager to talk with me. So we chatted about my kids and she interviewed me, as is part of the typical application process, and said she was so happy to support a school that was working so diligently with the population we have to close the achievement gap and foster a positive community. Once I complete the application, all I have to do is go pick out my donated prizes and attend some trainings with some other outstanding SPED teachers and we are set up! HOW CRAZY IS THAT?!

I am not sure what my students and I have done to deserve such unconditional love and support from all of these generous people and groups, but I am beyond thankful. I am so happy, my heart is full. Finally, my students are getting the very best. And I still want to give them more.