You don't want to hear about my good day

[lokiswings]

Maybe you do, but it's boring work stuff, and I recap the educational materials I read today.

Comments

my comments

[dirusdraconis]

No position in teaching is easy, no position in school is easy. That being said, spec ed is.. a real bitch. Even those who have slight disabilities, I know my perspective is off in this, generally in the direction of tolerance for the disabled. As I was saying kids with difficulties can be problematic, mainly because most of us can have no idea what their reality is, we can't our brains don't work their way, so how do we relate, usually wrong. They are angry because we don't understand instantly and were the adults, it's our job to know.

Spec ed teachers and staff are usually a facade of happiness with a grouch below.

Take the compliment well, if you went into that room cold and did well in the teachers eyes, then you are good with kids and understanding enough to deal with those who got the short straw.

Re: my comments

[lokiswings]

My general approach with kids I know have learning issues is to try to be patient and encouraging without being condescending. These kids can't read very well, but they are not stupid. Even if they are dumb, it's not their fault and it doesn't make them any less worthy of kindness.

I know countless smart people with learning disabilities who had nightmare experiences like the one with my fourth grade teacher. I think the most valuable thing I learned from teaching school and experience is that you have to meet kids where they are before you can bring them where you want them to go.

I kind of wish I had focused more on special ed in grad school.