Having four weeks under my belt feels very relieving! I am discouraged that I only have one week left at Fairmont Senior High School, I feel like I was just beginning to establish myself there. I also feel like 5 weeks is not enough time to really develop an understanding of the secondary setting. I understand that everyone's hands are "tied", but if I had three wishes I would use one of them on having more time! I am still enjoying my experiences, however I am left a little unsettled with the special education profession. I have strong feelings and opinions when it comes to advocating for the students, but the downfall of that is the politics that comes with it. Day after day I feel like I am being "punished" for choosing this specialization. With all the paperwork and extra class loads, it seems like people are being discouraged from this course. I am unfortunately realizing that all is not fair in the world of special education, and I feel like changes need to be made. After witnessing countless "looks" and exchanges made with special education students I am beginning to understand why their educators sometimes get treated with the same respect (or lack there of). Fortunately, FSHS is an excellent PDS and I have not had any specific issues. However I hear the lunch room horror stories from friends of mine, and it leaves me feeling inadequate. I wish that everyone would recognize the training and qualifications that special educators have, and would act accordingly. Why is it that we are the only people in the school setting that complete hours of paperwork? Why is it that we are the only people in the building that have to take additional professional development? Finally, why is it that we are looked at as "secondary" in a classroom? On the flip side, I realize that with all the inclusion, collaboration, and RtI developing in schools special educators are becoming everyone's "first call". I am excited for the upcoming generation of teachers to get to experience a classroom where noone knows who the special education students, or teachers are. I feel truly passionate about what I do, and who I am doing it for, which is why I plan to ride this out till the end!
Great thoughts, Stephanie. I've never felt the call to special ed, but certainly have sympathy with the paperwork issue. It's good that you're recognizing the differences now and thinking through your feelings about it.
Stephanie, Excellent post. I can relate and understand each of your points. I have had many of these same ideas myself over the years and it actually led me back to graduate school. I was sick and tired of being a second class citizen at school and thought I could provide a voice for special education teachers in the future. Don't know if I have accomplished that at this point in my career but am trudging through the many seemingly unfair demands with the goal of changing the system for the benefit of both teachers and kids. I'd love for you to share this in our Check-In activity next class if you're willing. Excellent reflection. DH
As a special educator, the paper work and lack of appreciation can be discouraging. However, I have found that the rewards and the respect you do receive far out weigh all of that and make it more than worth it. It seems as though you are seeing some of those things that keep us in Special Education.
Having four weeks under my belt feels very relieving! I am discouraged that I only have one week left at Fairmont Senior High School, I feel like I was just beginning to establish myself there. I also feel like 5 weeks is not enough time to really develop an understanding of the secondary setting. I understand that everyone's hands are "tied", but if I had three wishes I would use one of them on having more time!
ReplyDeleteI am still enjoying my experiences, however I am left a little unsettled with the special education profession. I have strong feelings and opinions when it comes to advocating for the students, but the downfall of that is the politics that comes with it. Day after day I feel like I am being "punished" for choosing this specialization. With all the paperwork and extra class loads, it seems like people are being discouraged from this course. I am unfortunately realizing that all is not fair in the world of special education, and I feel like changes need to be made. After witnessing countless "looks" and exchanges made with special education students I am beginning to understand why their educators sometimes get treated with the same respect (or lack there of).
Fortunately, FSHS is an excellent PDS and I have not had any specific issues. However I hear the lunch room horror stories from friends of mine, and it leaves me feeling inadequate. I wish that everyone would recognize the training and qualifications that special educators have, and would act accordingly. Why is it that we are the only people in the school setting that complete hours of paperwork? Why is it that we are the only people in the building that have to take additional professional development? Finally, why is it that we are looked at as "secondary" in a classroom? On the flip side, I realize that with all the inclusion, collaboration, and RtI developing in schools special educators are becoming everyone's "first call".
I am excited for the upcoming generation of teachers to get to experience a classroom where noone knows who the special education students, or teachers are. I feel truly passionate about what I do, and who I am doing it for, which is why I plan to ride this out till the end!
Great thoughts, Stephanie. I've never felt the call to special ed, but certainly have sympathy with the paperwork issue. It's good that you're recognizing the differences now and thinking through your feelings about it.
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I can relate and understand each of your points. I have had many of these same ideas myself over the years and it actually led me back to graduate school. I was sick and tired of being a second class citizen at school and thought I could provide a voice for special education teachers in the future. Don't know if I have accomplished that at this point in my career but am trudging through the many seemingly unfair demands with the goal of changing the system for the benefit of both teachers and kids. I'd love for you to share this in our Check-In activity next class if you're willing.
Excellent reflection.
DH
As a special educator, the paper work and lack of appreciation can be discouraging. However, I have found that the rewards and the respect you do receive far out weigh all of that and make it more than worth it. It seems as though you are seeing some of those things that keep us in Special Education.
ReplyDelete