Other than a few awkward years in third and fourth grade when I wanted to be an actress so I could marry Brad from Home Improvement, I've always known that I would be a teacher.
As the oldest of three children, I've always been: 1) bossy, and 2) really bossy. So telling other children what to do all day just seemed like a natural fit!
I'm kidding. Sort of.
But I am the child of two teachers, in a family of teachers. It's in my blood and I think that from a young age, I knew better than to fight it.
In high school, I was challenged to think about what kind of children I wanted to teach. And because of my fascination with language learning and acquisition, I went into oral deaf education. That means that I teach language to children with hearing loss through listening and speaking. All of my students wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. I don't use sign language! (although I wish I knew more, just for fun!)
I am one of those incredibly blessed people who can say that they are doing their dream job! (Right now I'm teaching first grade and I love this age!) Sure, I have my share of rough days... days when the administration seems like they're TRYING to make me fail, days when I feel discouraged, days when I need to step away from my students to calm down. But there are all those other days.... days when the kids make me smile, when they finally "get it", when I get to channel my creativity into planning engaging lessons and making materials.
Also? June, July, and August. Just sayin'!
Being a special education teacher also gives me some special skills:
- I can say things like: "You don't have to pull your pants all the way down to pee" with a straight face.
- I know what the word "diphthong" means.
- I can tell immediately when a kid hasn't had his meds.
- I know if there's going to be a full moon without ever looking outside.
- I have a large bladder.
- From down the hall and around the corner, I can tell when someone's brought goodies to the teacher's lounge.
- I can run in my heels after a kid who's decided he'd like to play outside instead of do his work in the classroom.
- I can make a 27 page legal document understandable to a parent.
- I know how to make almost any activity educational! See pictures below for proof :)
What a wonderful job. My Mom was a Special Education teacher for severely and profoundly handicapped children for many years, then moved into preschool with developmentally delayed, and autistic children. Amazingly rewarding. I loved your special skills list :o).
ReplyDeleteI joined Gina's blog hop too. I'm #1 My Toy Store. I hope you stop by and visit.
~Chrissy
Thanks for sharing, Sarah! This is a great post & great idea Gina :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I love hearing about fellow artists 9-5 and it usually reveals a lot about them. I have so much respect for teachers and what you do is so amazing to me. Kudos and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletethis is such a lovely post. yay for you! :D
ReplyDeleteSarah! What a fantastic post. My sister had hearing loss and speech problems when she was an elementary school so I have a big appreciation for the work you do for those children. Hope you have a great day back to school :)
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that you are doing your dream job! It sounds challenging and fun :D Good for you!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sarah!!!
ReplyDeleteWorking with special needs preschoolers I totally get your "special skills"
:-D
Happy Monday!
I love this. isn't crazy how you can tell if theres going to be a full moon or the weather is about to change by the kids behavior. (i taught preschool) hahaha
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you my luv are a rockstar! I adored this post:) so fun to learn about you!!! :)gina
ReplyDeleteI have a special place in my heart for teachers. I enjoyed reading about you and am so glad Gina is hosting this fun blog hop. I am now following you!
ReplyDeleteOh heck ya Brad! He was a stud!! And I am so envious of your summers off!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post Sarah! I really enjoyed reading it. Firstly, thank you for expanding my vocabulary... oh yes indeed, I googled "diphthong" :D
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome and rewarding job you have. Sounds like you love what you do too.
I found you through Gina's Take Your Blogger to Work Day project (I'm on there too).
This is a blast.
awww what a great and rewarding job!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing job you have and to have your dream job too!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that you taught children with special needs! What a fantastic lady you are :) This was a great post. Enjoyed getting to know more about you.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! My school is the DCPS hub for oral def-ed kids in elementary school! For the last 7 years I've had mainstreamed HI kids in my gen ed class. I love it! I might love my Britney Spears headset even more though, hehe just kidding! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I always enjoy hearing that a person loves their job - I bet you are awesome with the kids!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! You are definitely a great person to take on the challenge :) Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! What a wonderful, rewarding job that must be. I understand the "having to walk away" for a minute. I have to do that with my "students" as well. What a blessing you must be to those children and their families.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!!
~Amy
This post made me laugh out loud. I taught kindergarten for 3 years before I went on "extended maternity leave." I've been out for 5 years now. I so understand your list and can totally relate. I volunteer now in my kids' classrooms and I still know when there's a full moon or it's been a really windy day!! Thanks for sharing with us.
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