We all have support systems that we can't seem to live without. First, my biggest support would be my husband. I do not believe I could accomplish the things I have without his support. When things get difficult, he is always there to offer encouraging words and lifts me up. He is also my partner, and without him, I am only 50%. We keep each other motivated and positive. We co-parent our daughter, and we help each other in every aspect of our life. When I am facing an issue, he is always the one who talks with me and offers his suggestions. We work through everything together!
Second, I need the support of my job. First, I do need the salary to pay for my debt and to keep up with demands of everyday living. However, I also need the support of my job to allow me to continue to grow and be a great teacher and mentor for the children in my classroom. Without the support of my job, I would have difficulty growing as an educator.
When I say I need the support of my job that also means the support from my colleagues and my administrators. I need the feedback from all of them to allow me to become better. If I am doing something that needs to be adjusted, I have the support from them. They offer suggestions and give constructive criticism. I am able to take that and make things better for myself as well as my students.
A challenge for me would be the loss of sight. I feel as if I could handle the loss of limbs, the loss of hearing, and even the loss of the ability to walk, but I feel as if I would lose out significantly if my sight was gone. I am sure some people would disagree, but I so enjoy seeing the beauty in the world! I love waking up each day to see my husband and daughter, and I absolutely love seeing my sweet preschoolers pop in each morning! It is so gratifying to see their sweet expressions when they accomplish something!
However, should that be something I had to deal with, I would most definitely need the support of my co-workers to help me get through the day. I would need them to help me with day to day tasks of teaching, and help me with preparations.
I would also need the support of my family. I am not sure I could do anything without their support, both emotionally and physically. I would also need the support of my students and parents. How could I accomplish anything without their help?
For those of you reading this, what are your thoughts on a blind teacher? Do you know of any? What, in your opinion, do you think parents and students would think? I would love your comments!!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI agree. I attended a workshop once where the opening activity was to answer the question, "If you had one disability, which would you prefer?" I quickly answered deafness. I would much rather be deaf than blind because we can see so much more than we hear sometimes. Also, we may hear things that we may not understand, body language offers the true story.
I have not come across a blind teacher in my 20 years in this field. Although I am sure it is possible, it would definitely be a challenge. You offer an interesting thought as we talk about inclusion this week.
Thanks!
Hello Susan
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear that you have a support system at your job. Establishing and maintaining relationships of respect and trust with your colleagues helps promote a positive atmosphere in the environment. Families and children can sense when there is animosity or segregation within staff. In my job, we know each other's strengths and we help on another by doing favors to facilitate our work and produce better outcomes.
Hi, Susan!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to see a blind teacher however, we have students with visual impairments that we make accommodations for so why not for a teacher. It may mean providing an assistant for the teacher to be the eyes I think if it is presented in a proper manner and the concerns of parents are addressed, it would definitely be a feasible situation.
Hi, Susan!
ReplyDeleteYou offer an interesting thought. We have students with visual impairments that we make accommodations for so why not a teacher. I think parents would be accepting if the idea was handled in a proper manner and their concerns are addressed. It may mean having an assistant in the classroom to be the eyes for tthe teacher and provide support for the teacher as needed. I think you brought up a very interesting disability.