I'm Pumped!

As cheesy as it sounds, I decieded to become a teacher in order to make a difference. I remember the teachers that made an impact in my life and I want to do that for my students. I always cheer for the underdog. I want to take the child that doesn't have a chance and give them that chance. I just watched a video of my professor who has cerebral palsy. She was told at the age of 5 that she would never go to school. She is now teaching Intro to Special Education for Ole Miss. She can't walk, has limited control of her hands, and can barely talk; but this woman fought her way in and through school. She mentions some of the educators who helped her and changed her life. I want to be that teacher. I want to influence students to do better in order to give themselves more opportunities later in life. I want to convince the kid who gets run down at home that he is worth something and capable of whatever he sets his mind to. I want to show the girl with ADHD that with certain strategies and techniques, she can use her "disorder" to her advantage. I always say I was born to be a mom. Well, what better way to use my talents than be a teacher? The pay is awful, the benefits are probably not that great, and the lunch is nasty; but the rewards are lifelong. I want to witness that a-ha moment when the kids comprehend a skill that I taught them. I want to teach my students lessons they will carry with them to high school. I've also been researching Asperger's Syndrome for this same class, and there is a part of me that thinks I would love to deal with special education students. I am facinated by this disorder and the functionality of it. Children with Asperger's are often bright and some even wind up in gifted classes. I'm not sure about being strictly a special education teacher, but I do know I will welcome the opportunity to teach in an inclusive enviornment. I believe it is extremely important, not only to the children WITH the disabilities, but to the ones WITHOUT as well. We need to teach our children to be sensitive, supportive, and accepting of those with disabilities. I do not feel that sticking special education students in a seperate room all day teaches that concept.


Anyway, after watching that video and seeing what all Dr. Harper had to go through...the heartache, the setbacks, the skeptics...I know I can do this. I feel ridiculous and selfish for thinking I couldn't finish school just because I had a crappy husband who left me as a single mom. I know I can do this, and I am more determined than ever to reach my goals and be that teacher that makes a difference.