Renay is running around getting things ready for her return to campus. Renay’s district is one of the earliest to open a new academic year in the county so, there is a certain level of worry and concern with the way the weather has been unpredictable in California. But here we are just the same.
Time cards…
We may seem redundant in the world by stating that Renay has put in nearly 100 unpaid hours getting her room ready for the school year. This includes planning for the staff she will have in just a few days.
Renay is processing expectations for the staff and understanding that even though the students in the room have grown up two months’ worth without this team in place, things need to move along and look different now that the students are in their new grades. That ‘change’ might be challenging for many of the students in the room. But here we are, and here we head into the challenges.
On Repeat…
There are parts of Renay that stand firmly behind the annual review of anti-harassment (intentional or unintentional) of your coworkers and the role of mandated reporters in education. But like others on social media, wondering about the role of recertification of bloodborne pathogens or even pesticide and cleaner use in a classroom, does an annual recertification matter for most of the staff?
Some things to consider, Renay knows as a teacher in an extensive support needs classroom, she deals with many bodily fluids that most educators do not come into regular contact with. Renay also remembers that lockdowns for students with the most challenging disabilities also look very different. However, Renay made it a point with us: all teachers are now responsible in the aftermath of a tragic event on campus. If one can help, they are likely to be doing that first triage for students. Responding to events, being the first to help means you are in harm’s way. You need that reminder. And we also realize: no, you did not need the reminder of the challenges facing every educator, every single person on a school campus that they are responsible for several students in the event of a crisis.
And Their Voice Should Lead
Renay just got to finish watching Samuel Habib’s first documentary, “The Road Ahead”, a look at what awaits a young adult with disability and all the things that Samuel experienced and got to ask other adults with disabilities about.
Renay did pilot just the trailer in her ESY class this year. And she did introduce several advocates featured in the documentary, giving the students a chance to see other adults with disabilities in their world.
Please contact your local PBS station and watch this documentary if you are supporting anyone with a disability. A great window into the world of budgeting, challenges young adults face as they grow older, and considerations that people with disabilities need to consider. This film is well worth an hour and a half and has a variety of voices to help answer Samuel’s questions.
Where Are We Heading?
We are working on a few things. Our books have taken a sidestep while Renay finished her state requirements to teach in California. We are happy to reannounce—in case you missed it – Renay is done entirely for the time being. Her degree has been awarded, and the credentials have been verified by the state.
With the end of extra obligations, Renay has built several items that are in the process of being finalized. We will let you know when and where the items are released.
Don’t forget the team
Renay was in a situation where the team was covering for many other situations out of control. Other team members were brought in from other campuses. And those team members, with their variants of hurt, refused instructions from teachers and administrators.
Some things to put into the front of mind:
- When bringing on new team members, be sure to greet and welcome them. Recognize it is learning in the moment, and that there needs to be grace as much as boundaries.
- No matter what the point of the year, document when you cover for missing coworkers. It is always right to support the team, but covering for others requires other duties to get put to the side.
- Ultimately, everyone on campus is responsible for all the students enrolled at any school site. Where they go, how they grow, and who they will become.
The ever-changing landscape of education: everyone needs to do a bit of something. Some of us are better than others at adapting. All the adults on a site need to be able to support each other.
Do you have any comments about this month’s blog? Do you have a question for us? Would you like to have an opportunity to pilot some materials at your campus? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here, and on our website. ParaEducate is a company providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published once a month during the academic school year. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
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