A New Direction

I have finally figured out what I want to accomplish with this blog! I realize that as a special ed. teacher, I should be really good at implementing goals. I can write and make a plan for my students, but for me, I struggle! I have decided that I need to share more of my experience with teaching students that have emotional and behavior disorders. I can find very helpful blogs that deal with elementary students, students with autism, students with cognitive disabilities, but not so much with behavior disorders. My students typically work about 1/2 to 1 year below grade level, in reading and/or math. Some of my students have been 3 years above grade level! My students just need extra social skills training and coping skills training.

I run my classroom like a typical 3rd and 4th grade classroom, for the most part. I teach to the common core standards, we use grade level texts (when appropriate and when we have access), and I use centers along with direct instruction. The school that I teach at is kindergarten through 12th grade and all students are on an IEP for an emotional and/or behavior disorder. We have some students that are diagnosed with autism, attention deficit disorders, post traumatic stress disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, traumatic brain injury, and hyperactivity. The difference in my class (and school) from the typical room is that we are a separate facility and self-contained classrooms. I teach everything to my students, except for physical education. We have a wonderful p.e. teacher that comes in twice a week. Also, my students are referred and have to go through a process to get placed into my room. I work to get the student back to their home school. In the school, we are the last resort for the students before incarceration or residential placement. So for the most part, I have the students that have the most trouble sitting still and following directions. I have been cussed out, called all sorts of names, spit on, kicked, hit, bit, threatened, had items thrown at me (desks, chair, stress items)and thrown-up on! Even with all of that, I love it. I see the potential in my students and keep trying. Some days are harder than others to see the potential, but I have kept going back! This will be my 19th year teaching at my school, and I can't wait to get back!

So, with my new focus for my blog, I'm hoping to blog about my room and how it's going throughout the school year. If there is anything you are wondering about, please ask me. I don't always have all the answers, but I can try!