Hi,
This is how my first day went in my TMH/Autism Self-contained classroom. The teacher was not in the class, there was a substitute teacher, a paraprofessional, and two one-on-one in the classroom. The students that I met today were busy and all have different behavior and educational needs. Honestly, I do not know who was who in the classroom because I could not get a straight answer from anyone. The substitute thought it was TMH and the paraprofessional said Autism then the one-on-one's said that there was a mixture. Confusing, yeah I thought so too!
All the students seem to be sweethearts in their own rights but the adults I am still deciding on. The one-on-one's sometimes interact but not much, the paraprofessional knows the kids but there is not much structure. But lets be honest until I actually see the class in an academic setting with the actual teacher I will hold my negative impression.
When we went into the classroom the students were about to go to gym. I went outside with the class to see there characteristics in action. The kids were all over everywhere and since I did not meet the entire class I did not know what children were with our class. All in All the first day was chaos, the teachers were on the phone, there was no interaction really with the teachers or paraprofessionals. I think my biggest problem will be to keep my opinions to myself and to learn not to step on anybody's toes. I am used to interacting with students and helping when needed or as warranted. But the paraprofessioanl made a comment that really ticked my tocker when she said that she believed that "Autism was an epidemic". I responded ,"My son has Asperger's and he is a blessing not an epidemic". I am going to do my best to be productive and keep a positive attitude even if it kills me. But one bright spot was that I did not see the kids with there actual teacher on this day. I am praying this week will be better.
Wish me luck...
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