Today was a busy day (as usual). What made it different from most was hearing about some things that happened to students over the break. There was the kid who didn't get into a certain high school and his parents threw a phone at him; or there was the girl whose mother decided to cut off almost all of her hair. I don't know all of the details on the haircut (I'm hearing it second/third hand), but I did get it verified that the student sat and locked herself in a staff bathroom for most of Tuesday rather than be seen. The counselor is working on that one, rest assured. I'm not exactly sure what will be done with it, though.
My wife asked me about CPS, but I had to explain that it feels like they're pretty slow to act in many cases. Especially if the abuse is emotional. The system is very cautious to make sure it's not infringing on anyone's rights: parent's or child's. Many times these cases can be pretty murky. Plus, the standards in the law can be pretty minimal in some regards. Physical abuse can have clear evidence and gets dealt with quicker.
There were other stories of other things I won't post, but I can't help being saddened by hearing it all. Part of it is the nature of Special Ed. You hear many strange and sad stories. My students often have not had a 'normal childhood.' I don't like it when I'm a situation where I have to react to a student's behavior, but I know there's more going on that I cannot change.
It sucks.
Every teacher wants to believe they can make a difference. The day I feel like I can't make any difference is the day I'll walk away from the field. I feel a little guilty I've already started my own countdown to the end of the year. I also need to talk to my chair to see if I can add her as a reference on my resume. A few opportunities came up I want to apply to. The deadline is coming up, so I need to get moving on that one.
For now, sleep beckons.
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