Hello everyone, I'm Anna and I am currently going on my 3rd year of being a teachers aid in a Kindergarten-1st grade Special Education Instructional classroom at Prairieview Elementary School. My goal one day is to have my own special education classroom but as of right now, I absolutely love my job. My job ensures me that this is the field I want to be going into and this is where my passion is. I work with great people who are willing to teach me new skills and strategies daily to benefit myself as a professional and the kiddos. If there is one thing that I am learning through time is that every child is unique no matter what their disability may be. I truly have understood the saying "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." This is a quote save and always remember while working with those of disabilities. I believe in positivity and it is what everyone needs in their life. Giving children a positive, safe, structured environment is my goal on a daily basis. This means that I, myself, have to stay positive throughout my own life. I do this by staying active and doing extracurricular activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rollerblading! The past two summer's I was a nanny for a 8 year old girl who had down syndrome. These were the most fun-filled, active summer's I have had so far! Even though I was there to be helping her, she was really there helping me understand what it is like to spend everyday with someone who has a disability from waking up to going to bed. Everything is not always rainbows and butterflies, but is it that way for anyone? Everyone is going to have their moments, I learned that it's how those moments are handled that will affect one's life.
Love your blog and message of staying/being positive!
ReplyDeleteWhen reading your blog, I could easy see how passionate your are about your career and your students. How fortunate your students are to have such a caring teacher. Your quote about autism is sooooooooo true. My wonderful nephew has autism, along with other issues. He is blessed with caring teachers who approach the students as you do. Wishing you much success as you go through this program.
ReplyDeleteFantastic introduction, Anna. I appreciate the positive vibe. It is so needed in education these days! Your goal of your own classroom someday is probably closer than you think, and it sounds like you are ready!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI hope you realize that the work you do is one of the kindest and wisest acts of human service. I myself worked as a caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities in Missoula, Montana, for two years. This was, by far, the most meaningful job I had ever had until I became a teacher. Working with those who have high needs teaches us to be humble, to place relationships at the forefront, and to see beauty in places that many would often overlook. Thanks for sharing your story!