THE DIFFICULT ROAD TO TEACHING!

For 25+ years I've been an educator.... instructor....counselor and case manager for persons young and old who have challenges.

 Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. I've dealt with them all! I started out as a Psych nurse wanting to reach those " unreachable ". I was quickly redirected to teaching them as well.

 My first encounter was a ward in a state psychiatric hospital where the patients were deaf and mentally challenged as well as psychotic. Did I mention they spoke primarily Spanish...Puerto Rican dialect? I was a newbie and ready for this challenge. I passed my two year probationary period with flying colors...got all my accolades and numerous awards. I learned Spanish...Puerto Rican version...ASL. .American Sign Language...and everything about psychotics...My medicine certificate enabled me to be ward charge and I was on my way. Then a new program started...teach those institutionalized who were mentally challenged. Oh boy....

I was snatched by a teacher and a psychologist to try this prototype program done only in Europe. Why me ??   I don't know but I am forever grateful to that teacher, psychologist and the brave notion anyone can be taught to learn.

So. .fast forward and I have now taught every aspect of special needs known to man/woman. I taught severely disabled, adults and children that couldn't be reached, every spectrum of Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome ( my speciality) and on and on. I even worked with brain disorders from trauma, dementia, Alzheimer's and each and every person taught me something valuable... With hard work, lots of creativity and PATIENCE... Anyone can be reached and can learn.

So...in a few days I will pass my CBEST and be ALLOWED to teach in California . They will test my algebraic and geometry skills. I will be tested on my ability to determine when Alice will get to her destination and how many oranges remain after Bill adds and subtracts fruit from the crate. I will also be tested on my reading and writing skills {which is vitally relevant to teaching anything to anyone.} But. .not one question on this State exam is on what I will be actually doing...teaching those with challenges new ways of learning. Teaching them self esteem and pride in all they can do and giving them hope for the things they will do. There will be nothing testing any of my skills for 3 decades of education, work experience and knowledge of persons with challenges. But I will be placed in a class to teach. Oh my!

This clearly explains the system I will be in again...and how so few know how to teach challenged individuals. So few can actually teach effectively... But...they can pass the CBEST with flying colors.

Yes...

I will also need to go back to school and be taught to teach special needs programs..really??? I can teach Them all my experiences with so many diversified persons and challenges. I can teach Them about caring..loving and patience that no class can possibly teach...yet I will follow protocol...get my Special Needs Certification and get back to what I do best...teach those who have a hard time learning... I believe most of the administrators and those who make the decisions about teaching, truly need to be in my classroom...you think????