tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773250415790655282.post3593261482317190894..comments2022-05-27T13:17:35.348-05:00Comments on Teacher Ponders: Be A Part Of It AllLiberty Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027499609835665307noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773250415790655282.post-43325298206722212262010-01-19T08:24:32.235-06:002010-01-19T08:24:32.235-06:00I completely agree with you here. When I worked in...I completely agree with you here. When I worked in an inclusive elementary program as a 1:1 I not only took the time to learn the names of all the students in my student's class, but the name of every student in her grade. I made friends with the lunch mothers who monitored recess and helped them out, which gave us a good relationship but also established me as a "credible adult" to the kids in those other classes. Since I was a 1:1 with a special education degree I also spent time with other "inclusion tutors," as we were called, and their teachers to help support other kiddos since our inclusion facilitator was spread thin at 4 diff. schools. I strongly believe my involvement wiht the reg. ed. kiddos and teachers transformed my student's experience. We were quite a famous pair and the effects of her "inclusion" are profound for her and her peers. She is recognized and greeted in her community by kids who have never been a classmate, and some of the kiddos we paired her with have become true friends to this young woman who is non-verbal, with multiple physical disabilities but a spirit for days. <br /><br />In my current position we are so tiny it is simple to know the names of all 30 students in the program, and I can even name a couple dozen adults in the day program. Yet my peers (the other teachers) can not do the same. I would be happy or comfortable to work with any of their students and that is definately not reciprocated and we are ALL supposed to be teachers of students with severe or multiple disabilities. I have joined committees in the agency to particiapte and that has helped in places but the adult program wants no change or collaboration (and they need it!) I am telling my boss today that I plan to move at the end of the year across the country, back east, where I hope to find a real school again!Marybeth Mugavinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08393408572810425648noreply@blogger.com