Dear special education teacher,
Thank you for the smile and enthusiasm that you greet me with each morning. That smile makes me feel like I'm the center of the world. That smile helps me forget my uncertainty, nervousness, and fear, and come to school each day. Thank you for being silly with me...for dancing and "going crazy" and making up songs using words that I am able to say. Thank you for searching and searching for toys and vests and trampolines and fidgets that make me feel good inside and help me be the best me that I can be. Thank you for pretending that you are hurt when I am hurt so that I will willingly put on a bandaid so that I can be like you...and wearing it all day long until you forget you're not really hurt. Thank you for secretly plugging your nose and not looking grossed out when I have an accident so that I am not embarrassed or ashamed for not being able to hold it. Thank you for spending countless hours cutting papers and putting plastic on them so that I can use them over and over again. Thank you for believing in me so much that other people think you are a bit crazy. That makes me feel confident and special and, well, amazing. Thank you for talking with your friends and making sure that I have a special role on campus with their students. I like spending time with their students. Thank you for writing goals for me and making sure that legally I am getting all the services that I need. Thank you for putting all that paperwork aside during the day and playing with me when I ask you to in my own unique way. Thank you for be patient with me when I hit you, scratch you, or bite you when I am anxious, scared, trying to communicate, or simply being stubborn. Please do not take it personally. Thank you for talking with my parents and helping them understand me. More than anything else, thank you for seeing ME and loving me for me!
Love,
Your Student
Love your blog! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate my Special Ed teacher friend Connie Jackson. She teaches the intermediate self-contained special ed class and I teach the Primary one across the hall. We always say that 2 heads are better than one! We have a good time together planning and helping each other! The first few years I was the only self-contained special ed teacher. It is so much better having a buddy!
ReplyDeleteThis post was just what I needed today. I was feeling defeated, frustrated and angry at how difficult this job is. Thank you for reminding me how amazing my students are and that my job is focusing on them and trying not to get pulled in by the paperwork and politics. I am so grateful for my paraprofessionals, I wouldn't be able to do ANYTHING without them. They are truly my solid rock, inspiration and support.
ReplyDeletePS, I love your blog!!
Michelle
Miss, Hey Miss: www.missheymiss.com
I love all your blog posts!! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI appreciate my coworkers. We are true machine and back each other. We couldn't do what we do without each other. Everyone is a vital part of our team!
ReplyDeleteAww, your letter made me tear up! So beautifully written and yes, I do do all of these things and I hope my students do feel this way!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't make it without my teacher's aid. She is a huge help!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate their honesty, willingness to help, and be there through the good and bad!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate their honesty, willingness to help, and to always be there through the good and bad!
ReplyDeleteI love my assistants!!! They help pull it all together and we have fun doing it!!!
ReplyDelete