Third Class of the Semester

I was in my third class of the semester and though I have enjoyed it in the past, I have been sick and on green pills for one of them and had had an extremely long teaching day on the other so this was the first class that I was with it, ready to go, making friends, talking in class, etc. I felt very studentish. There are some nice people, all working towards Special Needs Education which is great to talk about and find so many others that are passionate and wanting to learn.

This is an area where there is a need for so much growth and improvement and it excites me to see and talk to others who want the same. Today it was all about self-determination and giving people with disabilities the right to make their own choices, set life goals themselves, and even have them at the older levels participate and at times lead their IEP ( IPP for you Albertans) meetings. Very empowering and needing to start at the elementary level by not being inappropriately maternal or paternal to students with exceptional needs. No zipper done or shoes tied or hugs in middle school. Making all student independent choice makers, not being a crutch when they can walk on their own. The fine line between guiding and stepping back.

I feel excited to be part of it.