I've been team teaching an art class for disabled students with Erika this semester. It is the first time I am working with so many disabled students in one class. I usually only have one or two in an art class at the most. I once taught a class that had nearly half of my students with IEP's (write ups for disabilities) and I was given a special ed teacher for the hour for support but most of the kids in that class had behavior issues, not developmental issues. Currently, I have 4 students in wheelchairs that have very little mobility. Many students are non verbal or are difficult for me to understand. A couple are deaf and I have a hard time understanding them. I should learn sign language. I have a couple of students who are Spanish speaker and it is great fun to hear Erika learning Spanish to speak to them. My mom would be so proud of her. The class is not easy, but it warms my heart every day to see Erika at work and watch her deal with issues that come up. She is kind and easy going, hugs kids comfortably and is constantly smiling. When I got my teacher's license I avoided getting a special certification to work with special needs children because I was so uncomfortable around them. I am not a huggy teacher, so when kids approach me for a hug, I am reluctant but I am learning many of these kids will not be turned away easily and I'm glad.
\
Comments