You can teach a teacher “Special Ed Skills” but you can’t give a teacher a “Special Ed Heart.” The school I am at this week has both, one teacher has knowledge.. but fortunately one has heart.


He has started calling me Aka..(sister). His eyes are big and he is never in his seat .. but at least now he is staying in the classroom. His language is limited but he is very perceptive. He has become the teacher's shadow. During an activity he will periodically survey the room - checking to make sure all other children are on task before being reseated. If someone is not on task he is quick to discipline. He is glued to his teacher's hip - which is a good spot for him since she truly appreciates him and has every intention to teach him. “My job is to teach every soul.. he can stay with me next year too if they need,” she confides.

I aspire to be like his teacher. She is firm but loving. She scolds parents for not working with their children or because they bring them to school late. In a class of over 50 she knows each child's story, what aches their heart, and what impacts their families.

Yesterday another teacher called a meeting with this child's mom indicating that he should not be allowed to stay at this school. His teacher went to bat for him and requested that he should stay. Permission was granted but... I could see the hurt in his mom's eyes as she watched this discussion transpire (through a window). I have seen it many times before .... a parent aches for their child’s rejection. Fears flash through their minds worrying that their child won’t make it and concerned about the road ahead. Usually, I can offer words of comfort but this time, I can only hope my touch and body language offered enough support. I just wanted to hug her... he will be ok...he has a great teacher.. and an obviously loving mom...I tell myself.

(I wrote this a few days back when I had no internet. Today, I got to talk with his mom again. She seemed happier today. I know she knows that her son is loved. I so much enjoy those moments when you connect with someone without words but know the message came across.)

Meeting Needs

Trusting

Several times this week I have been overwhelmed by feelings of “ I can’t do this.” I feel unsure if what I do daily as a teacher will transfer to the other side of the world in a culture and school system that I don’t really understand. It’s a tough sell to convince a school to invest more time on a few students who are struggling when hundreds of others are begging for a chance to learn and may not get the chance. I fear being pushy.. I don’t want to come here and assume American education is transferable to India. I am excited to work as a team, and I hope the blend of knowledge and skill will move us forward in a positive direction.
Yesterday, I stopped for a visit at the school I will be working with next week. I stopped to visit the classroom of a WONDERFUL teacher. She truly loves and desires to help all children.

Kid Blog

Some of the topics I will write about on this blog will be things that are not always suited for children. Since I know some Davey students are following my India travels I have created a separate blot. http://mrbeaninindia.blogspot.com/ or click on the picture of Mr. Bean to connect.

Joy and Sorrow

It is such a blessing to be back. It feels so comfortable to be here. I love seeing the surprised looks when people see I have returned again. I have loved the encouraging conversations with friends.

Before leaving I had shared with many of you glimpses into the lives of a few people who I was so excited to follow up with this year.

But,returning has also brought sadness. Posted in the picture section of this page is a photo entitled "Little Blessings." I so looked forward to see this little girl again. When I met her a year ago she was laying on a mat inside her home. Her family was unable to afford the cost of a wheelchair. The wheelchair would allow her to sit and/or leave her home. During the past year she did receive a wheelchair. I was so excited to be bringing her a communication board that would allow her to have some interaction with her environment. Unfortunately, upon arriving I learned that she had recently passed away. My heart breaks for her family. She was loved dearly by her family and many others who visited her home. I hope to visit her mom soon. I am hopeful that hugs and compassion will provide support when words cannot.

Thanks so much to all who contributed the communication board meant for her. It encouraged me to know that there were many anxious to help me help this little girl who had captured my heart. My hope is that this device will be able to assist another child. Praying to know who could best benefit.

Well, I'm here. I arrived safely. I have been welcomed warmly. I will write more soon.

Be Still