True Life: My child has Autism

     Currently, I am taking the class Diverse and Exceptional Learner.  Throughout this class, I have learned about various types of disabilities and impairments that I will see in my classroom in future years to come and the differentiation I can use to best accommodate those individuals.  While learning about this, there are numerous speakers that come into our class to talk about the roles they have in a disabled child's life.  These lectures are always eye-opening and give the class a different perspective on the topics we are learning about. 
     Today our class had a very interesting lecture from Annette Musso.   Annette has a son named Matteo.  Matteo was born perfectly normal and continued to develop and progress like a normal child.  Then, Matteo received some vaccinations along with a flu shot.  After these shots, Annette began noticing differences in Matteo...he could no longer speak, interact, play, and wasn't the same boy he was prior to his shots.  Three months later (at the age of 20 months), Annette described Matteo as, "gone."  Matteo had symptoms and behaviors suggesting that he had Autism and at 36 months, Matteo was properly diagnosed with this syndrome.  Matteo is now in kindergarten and continues to suffer from Autism. As Annette explained during her lecture, "It is easier for him to be in his own world than to be in our world...living in our world for him is like you trying to study at Roscoes."  
      Autism will only become more common in the years to come.  Annette claimed that Autism will soon be an everyday occurrence in the mainstream classroom; therefore, it is important for all future teachers to be properly educated and trained in order to adapt and differentiate for these behaviors.  Annette believes it a great benefit for all future teachers to take classes from behavioral schools.  By taking these classes, one can become more educated or even specialized in helping children with autism.  Even if one doesn't want to become specialized, it is still a great knowledge and skill to have and will become more needed in the years to come.  Annette claimed, "There will always be jobs in the autism field."  She also thinks it is very important that kids with Autism are mainstreamed as soon as possible so other children accept them and learn how to help and adapt to their behaviors.
     Throughout this lecture, it was so beneficial to hear Annette's side of the story as she displayed various feelings towards teachers and IEP team members.  Because of Annette, I further realized the importance of equality and adaptations in my classroom.  It is necessary for me to be knowledgeable about each child's impairment in order structure their learning in ways that are best for them.  Annette expressed, "All my son needs is a exercise ball or a balancing board, and he will be fine in any classroom."  In addition, Annette expressed her frustration about the acceptance of people with Autism as she feels people look at Matteo when he is acting up and immediately classify her as a bad mother.  After she stated this, it made me think about how often everyone in this world is judged, without truly being seen for who they are on the inside.  It is so sad because Annette is a mother that is so kind-hearted and should be praised for her hard work and determination during the battles with Matteo; instead, she is being judged as a bad mother who cannot control her young child.  As a future educator it is vital that I am knowledgeable about each of my students and their family lives in order to better understand them and their parents. It is also important that I listen to parents and the needs and concerns they have about their child; ultimately, they know their child best, and it is important for every educator to realize that.  Lastly, it is equally vital that I inform others and raise awareness for all disorders, impairments, and disabilities so that all disabled individuals and their families are treated with the respect they deserve.  


Click this link: http://www.autism.com/ to find more about autism.


             

THE POWER OF ONE

     Ever since I was little, football has played a huge part in my life and I have spent every Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday, and Monday night cheering on my favorite high school, college, and national teams.  Throughout all these years, I have enjoyed watching my favorite players in thriller games where they showed amazing runs, passing, and hits.  In addition, at every game, I have watched a player get injured.  During these times of injury, I always pray for the best and usually that injured member gets cheered off the field with a minor injury and shows their strength by continuing to play throughout the current game and the additional games to come.
   However, they day of October 16th was different.  I woke up in the morning ready to cheer on the Norse as they would try to defeat the 10th ranked team in Division III.  In addition, I was thrilled that my mom would be watching and my dad would be the paramedic on staff at the game.  As the cheerleaders were stretching and warming up, I said to a few of my friends, "Well, if anything happens at least we have the best paramedic in Winneshiek County here today!"  As the game progressed, Luther was putting up a strong fight. However, in a few short seconds: everything changed.
     On a kick-off return, Chris Norton, number sixteen, dove into the pile...like every other player.  However, as everyone else got up: Chris did not, he was motionless.  Athletic trainers immediately tended to Chris.  After realizing the severity of the injury, the trainers called over the paramedics.  For the next twenty minutes, the players, cheerleaders, and fans were on one knee...praying for our teammate.  Chris eventually got carried off the field and was airlifted to Mayo Clinic with a severe neck injury and the diagnosis of a 3 percent chance of moving again.
    After this dramatic event, the Luther community came together in a prayer service for Chris.  I attended this service and found it so moving and inspirational that I couldn't keep the tears out of my eyes.  To begin, Coach Durnin, the head football coach, gave a nice reflection and summary of Chris' injury and progress, while also encouraging every individuals' prayers and hopes for the best.  As the service progressed, there were various sermons and songs that were inspirational towards Chris' recovery.  However, the part of the service that moved me the most was the prayer by Coach Benny Boyd.  Coach Boyd presented his prayer in a very unique and unforgettable way.  Coach Boyd began by saying a few words about Chris and followed by singing an amazing hymn.  This song was so reflective towards Chris and the power he still has to become all that he can be, regardless of his injury.  One could hear exactly what Coach Boyd was thinking through his emotions and the powerful words of his song...making others have a strong faith in the power of God and the power of prayer.
     I continue to reflect on this service and the importance it had on so many lives throughout the Luther community.  After an event like this, it is so important to deal with thoughts and emotions in appropriate ways and this service was ideal for doing that.  First, an explination of the tragedy was given with facts about Chris' injury and condition.  Second, significant individuals in Chris' life, such as coaches and captains, had a time to talk about him and share their personal feelings.  In addition, everyone was invited to share their own prayers with the rest of the individuals in the chapel and also had the option to light a candle in honor of Chris.  Lastly, at the end of the service, students were reminded of the additional services on campus to continue our prayers for Chris' recovery.
     It is truly amazing how much power one can have on countless individuals' live.   Chris has taught and continues to teach us all to fight the good fight and have determination and a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances we may face.  Chris has taken amazing steps towards recovery as he now has some movement in both of his arms and sensation in his legs and continues to make progress everyday.  Chris is an inspiration to all showing that we can do anything as long as we put our minds to it!


To read Chris' inspiring journal and guestbook visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisnorton.

Inventiveness

     I believe inventiveness is an important characteristic for everyone to have, especially in our world today.  As time progresses, newer and more advanced technologies are being developed, changing the jobs, health, communication, and way of life for most people throughout the United States.  Many of these inventions would not have been a norm in our world today if it wasn't for the inventiveness of various individuals.  Because of each of these individual's creativity, imagination, and confidence in themselves, they have made the world a more advanced place and have transformed the lives of countless individuals.
      In order to make the world a better place through inventiveness, it is vital that teachers promote these kinds of behaviors inside and outside of the classroom because school is the building block for future successes.  If children are taught from day one to believe in themselves, do what they think is right, and to think and explore outside of the box...there will be an increasing number of imaginative individuals ready to make their difference in the real world.  However, if children are continually taught from the book, with strict rules, no exploration, and no inspired thinking, these imaginative attitudes will be discouraged and may not ever be found by young students.  If this quality is not discovered, every child's life will be an endless, boring, and repetitive routine.
     To best encourage these attitudes, it is necessary that teachers involve inventive activities into regular routines.  These activities should be student-focused and should inspire students to create things on their own or in a group...encouraging brainstorming, interaction, and creativeness.  Some of these activities may include a project of interest, nature walk, a journal, individual storytelling time, or even playing outside.  By using these kinds of activities, students are inspired to create their own work, to think deeply, imagine new ideas, and have fun.  These types of activities should not be graded; instead, they should be positively encouraged, praised, and complimented.  Through this acknowledgement, teachers would be inspiring their students to be the best they can be.  If students gain confidence in themselves, their inventiveness qualities will shine through on a daily basis...possibly creating an individual that may transform the world for future generations to come.    

Reflectiveness

     Reflectiveness inside and outside of the classroom is becoming more rare as time passes.  Today, every individual lives in a fast-paced and demanding world.  Because of this vigorous lifestyle, people do what they need to do at the time they need to do it and move on...rarely ever having time to reflect or think about what they just did.  However, reflectiveness needs to be implemented more often because it is so important in helping individuals recognize and improve on their strengths and weaknesses.    
     Inside the classroom, teachers and students have a hard time reflecting.  First, there is only about seven hours during during a school day.  During this time, teachers are required to stick to curriculum-based lessons in order for students to reach state testing goals. Because of this, students are getting hammered with an immense amount of information and by the end of the day, they have learned so much that they have forgotten half of it!  Secondly, in addition to students being very busy, teachers have to stay on their toes all the time to insure each students achievements and progress.  Due to these pressures, teachers are completely worn out at the end of the day...just wanting to get their lesson plans done for the next day and go home.  
     Even though finding the time to reflect is difficult, it is vital for students, teachers, and parents.  Reflecting is vital for students, especially at the end of each lesson or the end of the day in order to review the newly learned material.  Through the reflection process, however it may be conducted, students will be more apt to pay attention while material is being taught because they will be aware of the reflection to occur later on.  In addition, during the reflection, students can ask questions and work out problems or struggles.  Teachers can also benefit from daily reflecting. First, he/she can review his/her lesson plans.  After reviewing, teachers will be able to point out what was successful and what wasn't...changing their future lesson plans accordingly.  In addition, it is important for teachers to reflect on each students' progress and the things they need additional help with.  Lastly, I feel it is very important for a teacher to reflect at least once a week in order to keep parents informed about the daily events and happenings.  Sending home these weekly reflection updates will also motivate parents to reflect more with their kids by asking them questions about the specific events that occurred throughout the week.  Because of these various benefits effect all individuals inside and outside of the classroom, reflection should be at the heart of the teaching process in order successfully monitor progress and create more communication and clarity among all.
     As a future educator, I will have to continually reflect on my classroom procedures and teachings in order to better the success and understanding of my students and myself; therefore, it is important for me to understand how I reflect most effectively.  First, it is important for me to change my setting.  Being inside the classroom I was teaching in all day would not be a good place for me to reflect because I would be too worried about organizing and getting things set up for the next day.  Therefore, it is important for me to reflect while on a walk, jog, or bike ride.  By doing this, I am by myself, cannot be distracted in any other ways, and no one else can interfere with my thinking. Also, at the end of the day, I greatly enjoy laying in my bed with the lights off thinking about that day and the day to come.  By having a designated reflection time every day, I feel I could continually better my teaching for the days to come...there will always be something I need to improve on!  
  
    

Passion

     Passion is a very powerful emotion that can be displayed verbally and nonverbally.  The more passion an individual has, the more expressive they will be to others.  These expressions can be seen through body language, facial expressions, excitement, and devotion. As a teacher, passion is an important characteristic to have because it illustrates the enthusiasm and commitment one has inside and outside of the classroom.  If a teacher is passionate about what they are doing, it will show and rub off on their students' overall learning and achievements.  
     Throughout my school years, it was very easy to identify the teachers who were truly passionate about their job and the teachers who were just there to get a pay check.  The teachers who displayed more passion cared about each students' learning and retention.  Although the classes with the more passionate teachers were harder and more work, I never cared because it was fun to be in the class.  In addition, classroom activities, projects, and assignments were constructive...I knew I was learning many things that would be useful for the rest of my life.  On the other hand, the teachers who were not as passionate would completely change my attitude and interest in a class.  Non-passionate teachers would continually show up late to class, never had an effective lecture, would let students get off task, would not assign homework or never set a due date, and would give practice tests that were the exact same as real tests so every one would get a decent grade and they would appear to be a very effective teacher.  Although classes like this were a breeze, I never learned or retained anything.  In addition, classes that I normally would have loved were the worst classes because the teacher didn't care about the subject, material, or students' overall achievement.
    After looking back at all my years in school, the one teacher that continually displayed passion for teaching and for the subject he was teaching was Mr. Larry Berland.  Mr. Berland was an environmental science teacher at Decorah High School.  Inside and outside of the classroom, Mr. Berland always showed passion for the environment, his students, and teaching.  Everyday, Mr. Berland made sure that he acknowledged and educated everyone he saw about the importance of taking care of and protecting our environment.  His enthusiasm about this subject got others excited about it, as well.  Mr. Berland has forever transformed my attitude about the Earth and the environment. Because of his influence, I went from not caring about the environment, to doing everything I could to help the world in any way possible.  Even though Mr. Berland is now retired, he still displays his never-ending passion while substitute teaching.  Mr. Berland will forever be known in the Decorah Community School District for making a difference in students' attitudes about the environment.
    Although it is sad to say, when I had to think of a teacher who was truly passionate about a subject...I had a hard time.  When I look back at all my teachers, many of them didn't seem happy to be at school and they acted like the students and teaching were a pain.  After realizing this, it made me recognize the importance of showing passion every day.  Especially in younger grades, children can quickly loose interest in anything and everything if the teacher isn't enthusiastic about it.  It is so important for elementary teachers to be passionate, in order to build a strong foundation and a love for school in all children.  If teachers are enthusiastic and make learning fun everyday, students will be more passionate and willing to learn.
    
  

Authenticity

     According to Wikipedia, authenticity, "refers to the truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, devotion, and intentions."  I define authenticity as an individual being their true, honest, and genuine self in any situation.  Authenticity is a really important characteristic to display every day throughout one's life so other people can get to know another individual for who they really are.  In addition, I feel it is equally important for teachers to display authenticity in their classroom so students realize the importance of this quality.
     When it comes to education, I feel that there is no limit to expressing authenticity unless it is harmful to students, co-workers or parents.  I believe it is very beneficial to students and the overall achievement of a classroom if a teacher is truthful about grading, projects, rubrics, sources, and homework.  I feel if a teacher is truthful about these factors, the students will better understand what is going on and what the expectations for them are inside and outside of class.  In addition, I feel that the more authenticity a teacher has, the more the students will have, as well.  By having this openness, there should not be any confusion or misunderstandings.  However, teachers should not express authenticity to a point that is violating rules or limitations, or harming relationships.  That is why teachers should follow the motto, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."  By following this motto, teachers will express their authenticity in appropriate and helpful ways.
     If teachers are not authentic, students as well as parents and other co-workers will quickly be able to tell through changes in body language, attitudes, expectations, and miscommunications.  If a teacher is not authentic, I feel like they are almost wearing a mask because the person that they are appearing to be is not the same person as who they are inside.  Teachers laking authenticity will appear to be careless about their job and students.  In addition, they will have a poor attitude about their tasks as a teacher and the impact they have on a child's life.  Lastly, teachers that lack authenticity will be a source of miscommunication as they will be telling one student something completely different than they told another.  Because of a teacher's a lack of authenticity, students will feel betrayed or even confused as to who the person really is that is educating them.
    In order to learn if a teacher is seen as "fake" or not authentic with students, administrators need to observe and visit with various individuals.  By observing the classroom, an administrator can view how the teacher reacts and adjusts to their presence, in comparison to how they truly are when not being observed.  Next, administrators need to talk with fellow teachers to see what their feelings are about the teacher and his/her practices.  In addition, someone of higher authority should try and talk to the students.  However, if the students do not say much, it is best to go to the parents.  Visiting with parents will allow administrators to hear about what students share when they get home from school and how they like their teacher.  Children are more apt to share and discuss school related feelings with parents than they are with people of authority from their school.
     Throughout my school years, I experienced a couple teachers with authenticity problems.  These teachers seemed to have a different personality all the time.  Some days they were caring, some days they were crabby, and other days you could tell that they hated their job.  In addition, these teachers would act one way to students in class, and then when you would see them in the hall a few minutes later talking to another teacher, they would be completely different.  Also, these teachers never really stayed true to their rules, intentions, or obligations...you could never rely on them to give you feedback or to get assignments back on time.  Because of these teachers' lack of authenticity, I felt like I was no one and I ended up not learning anything in the class.  After these experiences, I have realized how important it is as a teacher to always be myself and never change my personality based on different circumstances or surroundings.  No matter how I act, children will always notice and follow after my example.

Compassion

     When I think of compassion, the first teacher that came to my mind was Mr. Riley.  Mr. Riley was my ninth grade social studies teacher at Decorah High School.  Social Studies was always a tough subject for me, and every year during a social studies class I would always be so bored or stressed over memorizing historical data and facts.  However in ninth grade, all these attitudes changed. The compassion that Mr. Riley displayed towards his students and the subject he was teaching made me excited to go to class every day.  Each day, I would walk into class and Mr. Riley would have a big smile on his face and say, "Hey Wiggs! How's it goin?" this instant appreciation of my presence in his class brightened up my day.  Throughout class, Mr. Riley would continue to teach with an encouraging tone, making usually boring facts fun to learn.  On nice days, he would take us outside to do activities and he would always encourage class participation, group activities, and collaboration.  These diverse teaching techniques stimulated my learning.  Usually in classes throughout middle and high school, I was always the shy girl who was scared to talk in fear of getting something wrong and having the teacher make fun of me in front of the entire class.  In Mr. Riley's class, I was different, I enjoyed speaking up because no matter if I got the answer right or wrong, Mr. Riley always made me feel good about it!
     A year later, Mr. Riley got the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director position at the high school.  Even though he was higher up in authority and very busy, he still made the effort to show his compassion towards all students and teachers by checking on classrooms and walking around the halls.  Even when Mr. Riley seemed to be in a hurry, he would still acknowledge others.
     Since Mr. Riley was the Athletic Director, I spent a lot of time in his office planning events for football games, pep rally's, and other activities.  It was wonderful to talk to him because he always made sure that the other cheerleaders and I had time to share our ideas and then he would give great constructive criticism on how to make things even better.  Mr. Riley always made sure that before we left, we knew that we could always come and talk to him again if we needed anything.
     During high school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.  Mr. Riley was a wonderful role model for the kind of teacher I want to be someday: compassionate, motivating, and inspiring.  Today, I continue to see Mr. Riley around the community and at sporting events.  Every time I see him, he always notices me, says, "Hey Wiggs!", and starts up a conversation.  As a teacher, it is vital to show compassion for your students and the subject you teach inside and outside of the classroom, no matter how busy you are.  The compassion a teacher shows will reflect on the students and the attitudes they have towards school and others.