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Drifting Along...

April 22nd, 2008 at 03:56 am

Sometimes something happens that really motivates me. Right now it is a series of things. Some might say I have no control over these things and to an extent they would be right. And yet, I do have choices.

First, the teacher I work with is moving to Florida. We are a great team. Two, I work with a student who is violent at times and goes for blood, which he has successfully done 4 times this year. Its not personal just part of his handicapping condition. Three, we are getting another student, this one broke his last teacher's fingers. Our school is just a regular school not a special school. We do not have the staff, specialized quiet rooms or protocol to deal with this level of violence and assault. And quite frankly I'm just getting to old to move as quickly as they do. Nobody is willing to say that this is not the right placement. I guess since it isn't their bones, bruises and cuts on the line they don't care.

I have loved working with my students in past years. They have been mr, dyslexic, autistic, emotionally disturbed, tramatic brain injured, and other disabled.

I had hoped to wait 2 years to retire early. But, I may have to leave earlier and get another job for 2 years. Or stick it out one year and live bare bones and save. Or get a second job for one year. I have choices, just not ones I particularly like.

This situation is definitely motivating me to get out early and do whatever it takes.

7 Responses to “Drifting Along...”

  1. Amber Says:
    1208834151

    OMG children really do those things? Be careful...deos the school pay for your health care? My goosness, are these kids receiving counseling before coming to you?
    And I am sorry about your co-worker leaving, it's tough losing some one that you work well with and trust. About 2 years ago I lost J who was the best worker, we always completed our work jointly by noon. Now I have some one who if the labels fall off she won't put another on unless she's told, and she's on the phone more than she works...I just can't wait to finish school and get out of there

  2. Petunia Says:
    1208835341

    Good for you, for recognizing that this changed situation is not one that you want to be in, and taking action. It's always a tougher choice when none of the options are great ones.

  3. klbb90 Says:
    1208860451

    The students don't get counseling because they are autistic or traumatic brain injury or some other handicapping condition. Their brains don't work like ours. Counseling wouldn't help, its usually medication to keep them calm. But meds don't work the same for them as they do for us, so the meds become ineffective and must be upped or changed frequently. Thats why you need a dedicated team to control them when they are "off" and a quiet room for their safety and the safety of staff and other children. Since an episode can last for some of them as long as 2-3 hours it interferes in the education of the other students to witness these outbursts. I can't teach if I have to spend hours in a restraining hold position.

  4. njdebbie Says:
    1208863663

    I'm not a special ed. teacher but I can relate to you. Often times placing students out-of-district places a financial burden on schools and teachers are left to fend for themselves. You are absolutely right to question your desire to stay in this situation. If I were you, I'd make the same decision. God bless you!

  5. littlemama Says:
    1208869885

    I have subbed at the alternitive school here. It really takes a big (hearted) person to deal with that kind of thing on a day-to-day basis. My hat is off to you. But also, you have to know when to say when. Good luck with your decision.

  6. klbb90 Says:
    1208902083

    Thanks for all the support! Its good to vent. There is now a good chance that we will have the student for only one month and then next year the student will go to the local HS for a program that would be a more appropriate placement. It is sponsored by a prestigous, nationally known university(Ivy League). The program would be like an elite private school within his home HS. I will be saying my prayers for this student! Placing the student with us is not in that students best interests.

  7. Amber Says:
    1208906021

    It's too bad teachers don't get the recognition they deserve...good luck

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