Most teachers have a few phrases that people constantly say to them that can be quite irritating. For example, "Wow, must be nice to have summers off" or "Wow, I could never be a teacher." While many of these things have been said to me, there are certain things that people have said to me specifically as a special education teacher that just put me over the edge.
1. "Wow your job must be so rewarding."
Sure. I guess? I don't even know where to start with this. I don't do my job for the merit. I do my job because I believe that it is important for people with learning, behavioral or emotional disabilities to be confident in their abilities for post high school life.
Fun fact: many homeless people are learning disabled. I would like to do what I can to make sure my students are college and career ready. I am a civil servant. I do my job to play my part in society, not for a pat on the back. It's almost insulting.
2. "I don't know how you do it."
Well, I don't know how you sit in a tiny cubicle for eight hours a day, but here we are. This is what I went to school for. I'm a trained professional who loves what she does. That's how.
3. "You must have some crazy stories."
Yeah, well, I would hope so. I'm a teacher. Kids say funny things. That's like 87 percent of the reason why I love my job.
4. "So you must have to teach like, really slow."
Actually, I teach at a relatively normal pace. My job is take the curriculum from the general ed classroom and modify it so that each of my students can learn at their own level. I need to teach as creatively as these students learn.
5. The "R" word.
I really should't have to explain this, but just for your information the word "mentally retarded" is an outdated medical term that is no longer used in the state of Illinois. The term is intellectually disabled. The more you know.
6. "So what exactly is wrong with your students?"
Nothing. Nothing is wrong with them. Sorry, not everyone learns the mandated curriculum the same way.
7. "I know a kid with autism, so I get it."
Oh, do you? Have you had to write a 40-page document that dictates how this student should learn and what his or her goals should be? Have you had to figure out what each trigger is and how to calm them down? Have you had to teach coping methods while also trying to get them prepared for what ever state test is required? No? Then sit the f**k down.
8. "I feel like ADHD isn't really a thing."
OK, then, I'm going to put you in a classroom, play the trombone in your ear, flicker the lights, play two different songs at the same time and then expect you to remember everything the teacher says. Here's a great video that shows you what it's like to have ADHD. You're welcome.
Though I have to chalk up most of these questions and statements to pure ignorance, it doesn't get any less frustrating to hear. I do my job because I love the special education population. They have so much to offer and it's my job to encourage them to bring everything they have to the table. Students with learning, behavioral or emotional disabilities are completely capable of being productive members of society. It's my job to give them the tools they need to navigate through post high school life.
These students learn differently than their general education counterparts, but I find that these students are more creative than my general ed students. They have to be. I just wish people would take the time to understand them more. Our society would really benefit.
