If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn – Ignacio Estrada
Pencils scraped across papers, tensions have vanished completely. Here in the classroom Mrs. Lynette Clements and Ms. Jessica Hunter created, students feel like they truly belong, and feel safe enough to work.
While the special education field is often seen as challenging due to the staff shortages across the world, Clements, a special education teacher, is proving that with hard work and patience, students are able to thrive without the fear of how others judge them.
A typical day in this field is pretty busy, with teachers sometimes having to teach multiple courses.
“I teach science, math, ELA, and social studies and in the afternoon I have study halls where kids who are mainstreamed come back and get assistance in my classroom,” said Clements.“We learn academics, everyday skills such as money, self-care skills, working skills, like working in the cafe, how to sweep, vacuum, and microwaves”
Many teachers in this field feel stressed even after meeting their goals, but seeing their students grow and develop gives them a sense of pride and happiness.
“The biggest part is that it is a joy and big accomplishment to see kids succeed, be a productive citizen, and an independent person,” said Clements. My biggest challenge is society and how they view our students who are just trying to complete academic goals like IEP, or Individual Education Program, where each student has a set of goals whether it be academic, social, or skills and so every year we have to meet their goals.”
Confidence is also key to helping students with their motivation and engagement in class with studies showing positive results such as reduced stress, improved academic performance, and they are more likely to correct their mistakes.
“I think for the most part we focus on the positives and the things they do right and that’s what gives them confidence,” said Hunter, who is a paraprofessional in Clements’ classroom.
In Clements’ classroom, students are able to work efficiently in a peaceful environment and form friendships with others around them.
“I like when we do stuff together, the adventures, and being with my friends,” said one of Clements’ students, Charles Twigg.
Another student, Neil Schweikart, also spoke of his favorite classroom activities.
Neil said he likes “Being with my friends, doing group activities, recycling, and graduation projects.”
Clements believes that teaching special education not only benefits the students, it helps the teachers learn extremely fundamental life skills and lessons.
“My students have taught me how to breathe and take a moment to think about how to make them successful and the steps it takes to get there and remember that everybody is an individual and we need time to slow down to enjoy life as we go,” said Clements.
Socials