Kathy: Winter Blues

Let’s see, what to write? Well, it is February in Michigan. Those who live in Michigan would not need me to write anything more; they would just nod and know exactly what I meant. But for the rest of you, it’s grey . . . VERY grey, it’s cold, and it’s getting a little old!

My new semester has begun, which means new students. Our young adults (ages 18 to 26 with disabilities) are assigned to job sites typically for one semester at a time and switch to a different site every semester. Our students spend half the day on the job with a job coach (like me) and the other half at school taking classes that are geared toward independent living.

My group is In-House Custodial, fancy for “we stay at school and clean it.” I am assigned students who are new, are not ready to go out to other sites, or are difficult to place for one reason or another. I also take on stragglers who arrive at school late and have missed their ride to their normal job site.

My group this semester is going to be a bit challenging. I have a few students back from last semester. Pam* has a worsening visual impairment and now uses a cane, but she has a wonderful attitude and works very hard to compensate for her sight loss. Bridget* has food issues and needs to be in a controlled environment like ours, but just when I think I am making progress with her, I find out I have been lied to again! Tim* has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing oral chemo; he is now using a wheelchair because his balance has been affected. He is a sweet young man who never feels sorry for himself (just needs to take a nap now and then, which is just fine with me).

Among my new students is Doug*, who resides in a group home and has been suspended already in his first two weeks! Craig* is also new and seems like a nice young man when he is able to actually get out of bed and get to school.

This semester I have had to set some new boundaries. For example, I set the limit of students I can take at once at six. Because I have been assigned one student who is partially blind and another who uses a wheelchair, I asked for some extra help and received two wonderful parent volunteers for two days each week! I really appreciate having those extra hands around.

I am trying to get my group to gel, but so far there have been so many disruptions that I do not feel we have properly begun yet. This week I got the flu and missed two days -- that certainly didn’t help the “gelling process.”

It’s February and I must be really low on vitamin D because everything is a bit of a struggle right now! How are you all getting through the winter blues?

*Names have been changed.

Comments

[Angela]

Hello!

Well, school is out, and I wish I had stumbled across this blog in previous months. As part of my master's class assignment, I am to participate in a blog, regarding a SPED issue that I'm facing.
I am a first year general education teacher; two years prior, I worked in special education, which I developed a passion for students with special needs.
The problem I'm facing now is SPED students at my school have the same LRE: They are all full inclusion. I teach fifth grade and have students who are on a kindergarten/first grade level and they receive no SPED pullout--only when the Special Education teacher needs to progress monitor.
I believe my school is pushing full inclusion to save money on special education teachers. I receive help ONLY through collaboration. This is no fault to our Special Education teacher; I know because I've been in her shoes.
Any ideas on how I can address this controversial issue?

[handicappers]

What an exciting case! I myself am three years into the teaching profession, and have found myself in some difficult situations meeting the emotional needs to subside inappropriate behaviors of certain students. I admire your enthusiasm toward the "gelling" of your students. I am glad to you.

[kathy]

Hi Mary Frances,
You asked about technology. I use the computer all the time. Anytime I have a question I search on google. This week I looked up how to mark keys for my semi-blind student. I make all my cleaning checklists on the computer. I learned how to use my schools laptops and use the printer. I had someone teach me the ins and outs of the laminator, copy machine and printer (how to load paper, how to get it unstuck when it jams). My advice is to use any technology the school has to offer and get familiar with it. I have hooked up with a green cleaning school site that has helped me choose many of my products that the kids use to clean. I know technology can be so frustrating but it also can be so valuable. Good luck!

[Mary Frances Freeman]

Wow you do have a very diverse group of students! I am 29 years old and have been out of college since 2003. I am in the process of going back and becoming a Special Education teacher. For the most part it is going well but the technology part of it has changed a bunch. Do you use a lot of different technologies in your classroom? I just would like to get a feel from different new teachers what they are using in their classrooms. Hope you get some sun soon!

[kathy]

Thanks for reading our blog Bridgette! It is so fun to hear back from some of you and see what "hits" you.

[kathy]

Hi Jo,
I too am glad my kids are a little older after a day with my school group! I love that I come from the parent AND the teacher perspective, I think it makes us better at both! I like to think so anyway. Best wishes in your teaching career.

[kathy]

Thanks for your comments Bethany! Our program is a bit unusual but I am convinced that this type of program is so valuable for our young adults. Our enrollment keeps climbing which shows it is meeting needs.

[Bethany]

Ahhhh, the winter blues! This has been quite a difficult month, not just in school, but in my area as well. So far this week we have had two snow days (typically we may get one in a year, however often times we won't have any). My area has seen a lot of snow and nor'eastern's this year, top that with many colds and viruses going around!
I have to tell you that I find your job very interesting! I certianly hope your line of work exists in my area, that way I know some of my students will have the same oporunities as your students do. It sounds like you have your hands full with your case load, however it also sounds as though it is very rewarding. I wish you much luck and success in your field and hope the "gelling" goes well!

[Jo]

Hi Kathy,
It is refreshing to hear that I am not the only one who entered or re-entered teaching special education at 50. I raised my family and then returned to school to teach special ed. I always wanted to teach, but the first time around in college I was out of teaching by family members. I too have a son with a LD so I have followed and been very involved in sp. ed. for more than 20 years before teaching. It is different from a teacher's perspective. I love teaching, but I am glad that I waited until my boys were grown.
Jo

[Bridgette]

What an interesting case load! I myself am three years into the teaching profession, and have found myself in some difficult situations meeting the emotional needs to subside inappropriate behaviors of certain students. I admire your enthusiasm toward the "gelling" of your students. With so many diverse needs in one room, it will certainly be a challenge to meet all of them, but a rewarding one at that.