If it's still summer, then why am I here?

Hello, all!

I'm not really supposed to be here yet. My official start date is August 1, but I'm the kind of person who needs to check things out in advance to be sure they work - or at least to be sure that I understand what I need to do to help them work. So my first official post is born a few days prematurely.

I'm honored to have been asked to be the blog mom for August. August is a wonderful month. We can still enjoy the lazy days of the summer and travel or visit with family and friends ... we can wrap up a successful summer school session... and we start to think about returning to the classroom as we nurture and develop those new ideas and thoughts of things "we should really try to do someday."

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share some time with you in cyberspace. But, who am I?

My name is Sheila Amato. I am (not necessarily in order of importance) a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a teacher of students who are blind/visually impaired, and a university teacher trainer. I am a soccer player (a goalkeeper!) an avid and addicted geocacher, a weaver-to-be, and I'm someone who loves to be (has to be!) organized. In September, I will start my 38th year as a teacher. I have only and always been a special education teacher. I have been selected to guest-mom this blog because I am the CEC 2008 Teacher of the Year.

I love reading, collecting CDs of local street musicians from my travels, Chinese bamboo plants that grow in water, thunderstorms, walking on the beach in the winter, bicycle riding, and I’ve just rekindled my love for horseback riding. I’m worried about peace in the world; my younger son is a US Marine. I’m not thrilled about flying in airplanes. Yes, I do sleep at night.

I’m delighted to be a part of this unique method of communication. We’re a diverse group, and there is a wealth of knowledge and experience among us. Each one of us, in our own unique way, will make a lasting contribution to our area of special education. I look forward to the opportunity to spend some time with all of you in cyberspace.

And, as a teacher always does, I have a homework assignment ready for you.

What book that you have read has had the greatest personal and/or professional impact on your life... and why?

See ya around,
Sheila

Comments

[Mary Beth]

Hello! I'm posting to this REALLY late--am playing 'catch-up' with several professional websites.
I've taught young children my since 1990: 15 years in gen ed [2nd gr, 1st gr, kdg] and 3 fun years in Early Childhood spec ed [autism & Head Start inclusion].
My books that have had an impact on me are not enitre books, but excerpts:
1."Ramona Quimby, First Grader"--Ramona is NOT having a good first grade year, her teacher just doesn't 'get' her [this is a paraphrase, as my memory is always a bit shaky on Mondays!]: "Everything was always the same: circle 2 birds in the workbook, cross out one, reading circles, cookies from the store in her lunchbox for 4 days in a row! But the worst was Mrs.----. Ramona knew she did not like her, in spite of everything she had tried. It is not much fun to spend all day, everyday, with someone who does not like you". [Beverly Cleary was the BEST writer for conveying the feelings of children--her books should be required reading in all teacher prep programs!]
2. "Little Town on the Prairie", Laura Ingalls Wilder. In the dead of a North Dakota winter, Laura has taken on her first teaching job. She is determined to teach the full term, [her family needs the money] but is presented with several obstacles, including: the school is 40 miles away from home, the wife of the family she boards with is mentally unstable; and 3 of her 5 pupils are older and bigger tham she is. [Laura was only 15 years old--minimum age was supposed to be 16]. After weeks of trying to be a good teacher, and dealing with much stress and cold, she finally loses her temper when her 'problem' student plays a prank on another student: [again, another paraphrase] "Laura suddenly understood the meaning of "towering rage". "Shame on you!" she cried at Clarence, "and shame on the rest of you for laughing!" She stood stern and terrible in front of the class. The students were stunned into quiet. Although for the rest of the day they gave no correct answers, they went through the motions of answering and completing the lessons, cowed by her anger. At the end of the day, when she dismissed them, Laura felt as if the bell was ringing in her head. She could not be angry at them all the time, they would not learn anything. But how was she supposed to manage them?" The original is one of the best passages I've ever read on both the futility of always trying to be 'mean' as your primary discipline strategy, and the exterme, overwhelming frustration that all teachers, especially new ones feel. [In the end, Laura gets some good advice, gains the respect and affection of her students & successfully completes her term].
Whew, that took longer than I thought! Thanks to all who posted/will post on this blog--it is always a source of ideas & inspriation. :) MB

[Sheila Amato]

Ah, I am so glad to hear this. My best wishes for a wonderful school year for all of you.

[shawn]

I am the parent of an Asperger child and we did meet his teacher last Wed. We had an awesome meeting that lasted about an hour.

She greeted us as soon as we walked in the door. She played with Tyler on the floor and then they sang a clean up song.

She then read him a story - and she showed him around the classroom. They looked at the computer area, where they make crafts and where they wash their hands.

She told me his special place on the carpet would be the letter T - which is also in green and his favorite color.

We had a great time - looking forward to kindergarten.

Shawn - parent of 5 year old Tyler with Aspergers.

[shawn davis]

This is our week to meet his teacher (on Wed). I'm still a little nervous about it, but am working on getting over it.

I am taking it one meeting at a time. I did find a local Asperger Support group that meets once a month in my area. I hope to attend their meeting next month.

Shawn

[sheila amato]

hello, Jenny - glad to "meet" you online. CEC has a Division for International Special Education Services. You can learn more about it at this website:

http://www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutCEC/International/DISES/

I sincerely hope you consider joining CEC and this Division (and any of the other Divisions that meet your needs).

[Jenny]

Hi, I'm korean.^^
and 21 years.
Web surfing,I find it accidentally.

I'm very interested in special education.

Although my English skill is not good at writing, I wanna express my interest.

Thanks to this blog, I can expand my passion ^^

[sheila amato]

Hello, Shawn - I would be as prepared as you possibly can... with documetation from the therapist, the pediatrician, a previous school program, etc. But - it doesn't mean that you have to use it at that moment. Such a meeting is like playing chess. Each side will "make moves" and that will impact how the meeting proceeds. I would like to hope that you will have time to explain your concerns, and then that you will listen carefully to what the administration and teacher offer to meet the needs of your child. What will - what can they do for your child? (will and can are not mutually exclusive!) Bring a pen and notepad and take notes. Think up some questions in advance and write them down, so that your meeting is a healthy mix of sharing information. Perhaps bring another adult with you - a trusted friend or family member for support and a second set of ears. It's okay to be passionate about your child, but try to avoid demands. Give the school the opportunity to speak from their experience and expertise, too. Think of this as a wonderful opportunity for a collaborative effort. As a teacher, I know that the parent knows his/her child best, and as a teacher, I would listen very carefully to what the parent has to say. I hope you find the same nurturing and collaborative atmosphere. Keep us posted.

[shawn]

I did just finish a book by Susan Senator called "Making Peace with Autism". It was an excellent book-- I couldn't put it down.

I am a reader by nature -- but this one held me spellbound. Of course, it helps that I saw alot of myself in what she was saying.

Shawn

[shawn]

Shelia,

Can you tell me as a teacher -- when we meet with his teacher and principal. How prepared should I be? Do I need documentation from his therapist? We are scheduled to meet a Dr on 12/5 for the official diagnosis -- I don't think he can get an IEP until we have that diagnosis.

I am worried about what happens between Sept and Dec while he is at school.

Your right, when do I not worry about any of my children ? That would be never.

Shawn

[sheila amato]

Hello, Shawn - I am delighted to see a parent on this blog... good for you! I smiled when I read your comment about being worried about what your son will do. I think every parent worries about what - and how - their child will do in school. I raised 2 sons with ADHD. I can tell you that they were my best teachers! They also helped me to realize and prioritize the things that were really important in life. Nevertheless, when was the last time that you stopped worrying when someone told you not to worry?

You are giving your son an excellent start to his school year by helping him (and his teacher) to become comfortable with eachother and the environment.

Keep believing in him - and in yourself!

[shawn davis]

Hi, I am not a teacher but am the parent of a child with Aspergers Syndrome. He begins kindergarten this Fall (9/3/08). I am very worried about he will do. I have been in contact with his teacher, who we will be meeting next week. We have 3 times scheduled to meet with her before school starts - just to get him used to her and the classroom.

Thanks.
Shawn

[Julie]

My favorite book was given to me this summer at an "APL" workshop, "Teaching: The Book: Instructional Skills and Strategies for the Experienced and the Novice Teacher" by Sharer, Anastasio and Perry. I have been teaching special ed at the primary level for seven years, and I learned so much from attending this workshop.

[Deborah Sharp]

One of the best professional books I have read is The Students are Watching by Theodore and Nancy Sizer. It is an excellent reminder that we are all role models for our students. I am a second career teacher: I got my Special Ed. credentials in California, taught in high school there for 3 years, moved to Arkansas and taught here in high school last year and have now taken a 3rd-5th grade CBI assignment. I am excited and have been researching CBI and have a question perhaps one of you experienced teachers can answer. What is a good schedule to use with my students (is "circle time" still okay for kids this age, reviewing days of the week, months of the year, weather, etc.?), how long should I plan to spend on an activity, and what are some of your favorite activities to use with this grade level and degree of special needs? I feel like I have a lot of "book knowledge" but wonder what I will be doing with my kids, particularly the first days of school.

[Sheila]

Suzanne, as a [retired] nurse, you have done the equivalent of IEPS by writing all of the "care plans" that were part of your training and career. Welcome to the other side of the desk! You have had a unique opportunity to see students from a different vantage point, and I am sure you will bring that knowledge and perception into the classroom.

[Suzanne Gries]

I am a retired nurse who has taught students with learning disablities for the past 5 years. In a few weeks I will begin a new position of reading specialist. This is an exciting time, as I was invited to this position by my principal. I struggled with leaving special education. But, while my heart remains in special ed, I thought to myself, how great would it be to keep students out of special ed? And, no IEPs!
I will give this postion a few years and decide if I am making an impact. My biggest "peeve" is working with students who I know just needed extra help from someone like me. If not, I will return to my love of supporting students with disabilities in school.
I have re-read Harry Potter this summer with great passion and understanding for Harry. For only love could have brought him to the final book. I am sure I will re-re-read the series again and again. As book seven ends, All is well.

[Sheila]

Hello, Tanisha - I wish you the best of luck, success, and happiness in your career. You have some wonderful goals of getting a PhD and of teaching college classes. Good for you! You asked for my thoughts on first steps... I would say that your first steps should be to get some solid classroom experience under your belt. I've always felt that this was one of my assets as a university adjunct professor. I live - and work - in the trenches with the teachers, and my practices are current, and take into account best practice. Because of this - and because of the stories that I can tell - I'm believable.

Then, start talking to people. Use the Internet and your personal and professional network to ask a million questions. Although you are going into this with some preconceived goals, be open to serendipity... the moment that something you had never envisioned. It could change your life and/or your career and open your mind to wonders you had never thought about before.

Think long and hard about the years of dogged involvement with one major topic that will overtake your personal and professional life. Think about the expenses involved. Think about the pride you and your family will have when you can be addressed as Doctor.

But, whatever you choose to do, do it for yourself. Find your passion, and then learn all you can about it. Find a way to create or develop something new, unique, and different with the field of special education, and then go share it.

Lots to think about. Take small steps... and reassess as you go along. I have every confidence you can achieve your goals and use your skills and knowledge to make a difference in this world.

[Tanisha]

After 38 years you still seem like you really enjoy what you do. I plan on teaching for at least 35 years and often wonder am I strange for wanting to do this. I am also interested in teaching college courses. What should I do first to get in the game. I have a Masters in Special Education and want to pursue a PhD in reading.
My favorite teacher's book is "The First Days of School by Harry Wong." It's filled with basic classroom management techniques that are crucial to the classroom in order to provide a good learning environment.

[Sheila]

You raise an excellent point, Dena! I, too, have been the recipient of much learning from the parents of my students. After all, they know their child best. Thanks for sharing with us.

[Ms. Dena]

During my first year of teaching (elementary students) I had a parent give me, The Autism Answer Book by William Stillman, to 'help build my library.' Looking back, my first reaction was a little defensive for all of about 2.3 seconds, I then put a smile on my face and thanked the parent for her generosity. Not only did this book help to explain the behaviors of her child but I continue to pull if off of my shelf and use it as a resource for other parents and colleagues on a regular basis. By the way, I continued to learn a great deal from this parent over the years:-)

[Pat]

Hi Sheila! Glad to have you here this month. I read so much that I'm not sure I could narrow it down to any one book but I do remember reading any book by Torey Hayden and thinking that I wanted to be a teacher just like her.

[Mattie]

Very nice to meet you! I really enjoyed your post. I just received my special education teaching license and can't wait to teach; my student teaching experience was amazing! I feel I haven't read too many 'professional' books in my 22 years of life, but I have read a few that I will never forget. "I Raise My Eyes to Say Yes" by Ruth Sienkiewicz-Mercer made a huge impact on how I view children with disabilities. My passion is teaching students with severe disabilities and this book opened my eyes to how I can be a better teacher. Special Education has come a long way! This book shows that growth and how a woman with severe physical disabilities survived institutions being completely aware and brilliant without opportunities to show her abilities. This book was actually written by the woman who was considered "dumb" in the story. She shares her most personal experiences throughout her life and finally gets to complain about the horrible, rough nurse that used to be her caregiver in the institution. I recommend this book to every special education teacher. What a beautiful story and great lessons learned along the way! I'm sure the reviews on Amazon are better than my little shpeel, so please check it out!!