My current situation is in a warm bubble bath, listening to slow jams in the candlelight, while eating chocolate. This is well deserved and this week continues to strengthen me. It was my last day with my special education class at the primary level and they did not disappoint for the last day.
My mentor teacher and paraprofessional told me they have had the worst day of the year yesterday. I am not sure if the students were feeding off the energy of yesterday, or they sensed the tiredness of the teachers (including me), or the anticipation of spring break but they fought the good fight today. This consisted of defiance, not sharing with peers, stubbornness of not completing assignments and complete chaos at lunch. So how do I feel about teaching children with disabilities after today? I still cannot picture my life not doing it. I had tears in my eyes as I told each student goodbye and gave my hug and smile. These children have made such an impact on me that lights the fire in me to be that for my future students.
My biggest take away from this experience is that as a future special education teacher, I have to be an advocate for these children. I promise my future students that I will protect them and provide the best quality of life no matter how many feathers I ruffle. Discrimination against people that are different is still a big problem. So thank you for my sweet class until we meet again!
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