Observations

I've clocked numerous hours in observations this semester. Observations are part of my Pre-professional class and SPED. It may be my most favorite part of this semester. I have loved every minute in the classrooms!

Both of my observation sets were in Elementary schools, and I was fortunate to have diverse exposures in special ed. Both of my cooperating teachers (the teachers who I observed and worked with, CT for short) work with inclusion classes, partnering with a GenEd teacher closely; however, the approaches and demands on these teachers were greatly different. One teacher worked with a student one-on-one whereas the other teacher had fifteen special ed students at one time. Same school system, different schools and different communities. 

In observations, both my CTs allowed me to be very involved and hands on, which I loved! I worked with students with autism, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, mental retardation, hearing disabilities, and OHI (other health impairment). A few students were ELL (English language learners) which added in one more interesting touch for consideration. Several of my classmates have been able to identify what they want to do and don't want to do after their experiences. I found each rewarding and stimulating in its on way - right now, there's nothing that I think I'd rather not work with. 

My boys and I list the roses (positives) and thorns (negatives) of our day during dinner each night. Here are my roses and thorns from my observations:

Thorns:

1. The paperwork is unbelievable. It's cumbersome, challenging, immense in quantity and just plain consuming. And it's not just IEPs and lesson plans - its daily documentation, communication with parents, and documentation of communication with parents. I expected it to be significant, but it greatly exceeded my expectations. Both my CTs cited it as the worst part of their jobs.

2. Parents are challenging. I don't know which is worse - the parent who is so involved it hinders work, or the parent who is so uninvolved they cannot be counted as support. The former is a challenge to the teacher's workday; the latter is ultimately a challenge for the student, and I wonder if it can be overcome?

3. Lack of funding is hideous. Neither of my teachers had school funds allocated to them this year. One teacher led instruction on a dry erase board that had literally been pulled out of a dumpster and had writing that could not be erased. In classes where the most accommodations are made, you would think resources would be allocated, wouldn't you? There is a great discrepancy in the free and public education we commit to students with disabilities and the resources we allocate to that education. The dollars in the GenEd class don't help; they aren't enough to cover the population of that class as is. 

Roses:

1. The pride a student exhibits when they've learned something or have accomplished something is intoxicating. How can you not be thrilled when their faces light up? 

2. Kids are so much smarter than we adults. They have the balance and order of life right. Somewhere in growing up, we forget the importance of smiling, laughing, hugging, celebrating the small things, and just living life. Kids are inspiring.

3. Inclusion is a wonderful practice! I remember when I was in elementary school, students with disabilities went to a special school in the system. I do not remember seeing students with wheelchairs, interpreters, or any disabilities in my elementary school. I remember speech teachers working with students, but that's about all. In each school I visited there were students with a variety of disabilities. And the students without disabilities helped and interacted with students with disabilities. The sense of equality and normalcy was impressive. 

I'll write more in days to come. I'm working on composing my thoughts for all the papers that must follow the observations, and its all swimming around in my head...

My class load...

This semester has a very interesting class load. Not only am I finding the content of these classes interesting, but its a mix of hybrid and online courses, which is new to me. After 7 weeks I feel like I'm finally "getting a grip" on online courses. It's funny what creatures of habit we are; there is something comforting about a lecture and my legal pad and highlighter! Here's what I'm taking:

ED 501: Pre-professional Block
I loved the seminars in this class, and was so very disappointed when the seminars ended. But, when the seminars ended observations began! My professor could make you excited about taking an enema. She's the kind of teacher that its a shame she's not in front of children every day, but it would be as much a shame for her to not be in front of future teachers showing them how it should be done. First class/seminar totally overwhelmed me; every seminar after that inspired me. This is considered our "introduction" into our professional positions as teachers, and we are exposed to discussions on ethics, legalities, expectations and professionalism. As part of this class, I joined the SAEA (student AEA), reviewed the contracts we are signing when we are hired, studied the code of ethics, and listened to a multitude of representatives from Boards of Education, schools, union organizations. After this class, you are petrified to have a Facebook account, have any pictures taken, drink out of solo cups, and begin to size up all the people in your life as to how much you can trust them. It really is that scary, but terribly important - as the professor said over and over, we built the glass house we live in. My perception of teaching has changed as a result of this course - you are not a teacher at school, you are an educator and it is a part of your identity. Thus one should not compromise it! But, all the severity and issues in this class are beautifully balanced with your purpose as an educator and the opportunities one has to make a difference. I'm telling you, this class and this professor will light you on fire to change the world.

ED 527: Technology in Education
Before this class, I thought I was tech savvy. Hands down, this is the most challenging work load, but is very interesting. This class isn't just about computers and how they are used in education. I am amazed at the discussions and topics that we cover. We are reviewing all types and ways technology can be used, and training on the most common. Social media is a large part of this course; not only are we discussing how to use it in the classroom effectively, we are using it as part of our instruction. Wikis, Facebook and Twitter are all part of our communication stream in this class. I've noticed a great balance of incorporating technology into teaching with using technology as a resource for continuing education and resources. It has broadened my perception on the role of a teacher, stuck between the source of knowledge to students (outbox) and the constant seeker for learning and resources (inbox). I'm now wondering if technology challenges todays teachers more today than ever, not just in operating technology, but in remaining relevant and effective in today's classrooms.

SPED 508: Introduction to Special Ed
This general overview is for all students in the programs, GenEd and SPED alike. It is an online course providing a general overview of all that is covered by IDEA 04, which grants free and public education (FAPE) for seven categories of impairments/disabilities. (Gifted is not part of this class.) Thus far, we've covered an impairment or category per week, with discussions on the impacts for a SPED and GenEd teacher. We've also had exposure to the many forms and legalities involved with students with disabilities and IEPs - overwhelming. Already, I'm practicing saying "a student with disability" rather than disabled student; we recognize the student first, not the disability. And, there is a difference in impairment, disability and handicap!

I don't know if its the curriculum is that incredible, the idea that this is what I'm meant to do, or the fact that I'm an older student returning with a mortgage and family, but I find myself soaking up every class. I'm loving it!