Expanding Horizons

I’ve decided to say yes to all sorts of subbing jobs—as long as I have the opportunity I might as well explore all sorts of different environments. To that end I subbed in a position that was described—via robo-voice—as “Special Ed:  Moderate-to-Severe; Medically Fragile.”

It was quite an experience. I may do it again, but not very often. The students (four that day) are all confined/strapped to wheelchairs with very limited brain function. The aides did the major work of lifting, positioning, tube feedings and diaper changes. I helped move legs on the lifting and handled supplies for the diaper changes. Oh, and I took roll.

I did some “engagement.” That means activating the senses with smells, touch and sound. The most high-functioning of the students was able to grasp and drop the various texture balls I put in her hand and she obviously enjoyed it.

Each period had a peer tutor and the highlight of my day was the time I spent with a most engaging young man named Tyler. He read to me—in the exact inflection I am sure Shel Silverstein intended them to be read—poems from Where the Sidewalk Ends. Then he started telling me about his band and the concert he is planning on putting on and one thing led to another and before you know it I was watching him shake his booty to Fergylicious on the boom box.

It was quite a day.

Comments

[BabyFavorite/Susan]

Sounds a lot like my older brother who is very severely brain injured from an accident. Heartbreaking, isn't it?

I'm sure you were a blessing to them for the time you spent there, Jenn.

[Life As I Know It]

What an experience, for you and them. They were lucky to have you subbing that day, I'm sure.

[busy bee suz]

I love that you are always open for something new. Glad it was a good experience!

[mom taxi julie]

Wow sounds very interesting!

[green girl in wisconsin]

What a day indeed! I used to sub on my free hours for adaptive phy ed. It was always a trip.

[Jocelyn]

I always think about how difficult subbing is, as it requires the teacher to be "on" and have this extraordinary energy. From what you write here, that same energy wasn't called upon--the performance energy, the ability to spar and react. Moreso, you had to slow down and peer inside each student. Thank heavens you had Tyler for a sense of the familiar, I'd wager.

Incidentally, we have a tape of Shel Silverstein reading his poems, and it is a distinctive voice and cadence.

[unmitigated me (m.a.w.)]

Tyler sounds like a wonderful young man. And the experienced teachers with that group are nominated for sainthood. Thank God for public schools, or those severely impaired would have no where.

[bipolarlawyercook]

Good for you for trying it out-- and for being willing to do it again. You have an open heart, friend.

[Suzy]

I can't think of a more perfect person for that job than you.

[patti]

We have a class like that in our tiny rural school. We keep most of our students in house, rather than busing them off to contract schools. Thank God there are willing, qualified, loving substitutes so those teachers can take a day off now and then. Bless you for doing it.

[debbieK]

What a most perfect day for you.
Special people teach the special kids...how lucky for all of you that you got that particular call that morning.