Jennifer: We’re Not Going Anywhere

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the CEC 2010 Convention & Expo in Nashville. Along with fellow bloggers Kathy and Ellen, I spoke a little about what my class looks like and how it works, and was able to share some of my favorite blog entries.

Typically I find that conferences are good for making connections and gaining new insights and information regarding our careers. But this time, the conference doubled as a support group and strong reaffirmation that no matter what is happening in our government, no matter how many pink slips are given out, no matter how many meetings we have to endure just to continue to serve our students and families, we are still here. Special educators are not going anywhere.

There were more than 6,000 people in attendance. I met new teachers who were just interning or completing their student teaching, teachers who had been in the field for 10 years, and teachers who had retired but were returning to the field because they felt pulled back to their calling, their passion. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan keynoted the Opening General Session, emphasizing the importance of education to a nation if it wants to thrive, and how each of our students deserves a “world-class education.” What a force we teachers are.

I typically feel out-of-place when I am with friends or involved in a discussion about what we all do for a living. When asked what I do, I usually say “I work in special education” or “I’m a teacher” and people either respond with “oh...that must be rewarding” or just move on to another topic altogether. When they do ask further questions, they are usually baffled by what goes on during my day.

But I felt right at home at the CEC conference. It was so refreshing to be surrounded not just by special educators and therapists/specialists in the field, but by their conversations. It is nice to have stories to compare and share, and to have people completely understand where you are coming from.

A special educator’s job is so hard to define. We don’t just teach; we are team managers, family advocates, and sometimes even part-time nurses, depending on the students. We have an emotionally and physically challenging job that is nothing like a desk job. We are caretakers who must be firm while still demonstrating the love we have for our students.

Our kids need us, our schools need us. In a way, what is happening with our districts resembles what we go through on a daily basis. Our jobs, like our classrooms, are being interrupted by unexpected challenges that need to be met with logic and patience. Our career planning, like our lesson planning, needs to be open-minded and flexible—now more than ever. We have to advocate for ourselves, just as we have taught our students to advocate for themselves from day one.

People who work in the field of special education don’t walk away when things get difficult. We push through and turn to each other for suggestions, support, and help. We are a tough breed and I personally feel that my training didn’t just prepare me for the classroom; it prepared me for the field as a whole.

This conference came at just the right time to provide me with much-needed encouragement and a reminder of just how strong we are as a community. I had a fantastic time, and I walked away with much more than I had expected.

Comments

[Ashley Wright]

I wish there were more conventions around me throughout the school year. This is the second school district I have worked in and it is another very small town with few opportunities to meet with fellow special educators. Luckily, all of the teachers and paraprofessionals within the district have a bond and meet with each other occasionally. I would love the opportunity to meet with people from places around the country and talk about our experiences. One of my favorite things about being a special education teacher is telling stories about my students. Working with students with special needs can be stressful and challenging, but we also have successes that keep us going. Students with special needs can be completely charming and win people over.

[Charles Rhoden]

I am new to the special education field and I have noticed the separation between the general and special education teachers in staff meetings and other activities. I wonder if some of the gen ed teachers are a bit resentful for some of the students they have in their classrooms or if special ed is so foreign to them they don't understand how to relate.
I would love to make it to one of the conferences sometime. I am sure it would be a great source of encouragement. I watched some of the videos posted on the website, but I would rather have been there. Thanks for sharing.

[Jane]

I did not plan to become a special education teacher, but now that I am, I love it! One of the many things I like about being a part of a special education department is the camaraderie I have found there. I know all teachers lean on one another, but there seems to be a more connected link between special education teachers - maybe it's because we have more to talk about with IEPs, FBAs, BIPs, etc!! You are definitely right - as a special ed teacher, there is so much more involved than just teaching! I plan to look up info on next year's conference - I would love to attend esp. after reading your response to it! : )

[Krystal Tenny]

I sometimes feel the same way-out of place. I am an ED teacher at a school who has not had this as an active program for a few years. I do get the response of, oh and they move on. Or, WoW there is no way I would do that job. I wish people could spend a week with me so they could get to know the kids and what does go on my classroom. They ARE good kids. We do -do so much for the kids including "part time nursing."

[Erika Huff]

We had such a great time and CEC. It is always great to network with people who are interested in the future of all of our children. I to enjoyed Arne Duncan's speech. I even wrote about it on my blog! Thanks for all your hard work.