the process

She cried and raised her voice as she shouted across the oval conference table; first yelling at last year's teacher, then at me, the potential new teacher her child would have if she approved the move.  Her defensiveness totally understandable as she struggles in her singleness as a mother and provider.  I got it.  I felt her pain in a real way. 

Disappointed parents are common when you work in special ed.  Some choose to stay that way, and others embrace the opportunity of early intervention in a loving classroom like ours.

Our classroom is a magical place, Mrs. X.  Really.  Not because of me, but because of our teacher to student ratio and because of our pacing.  Kids succeed in there.  I have seen miracles.  

And I meant every word I said as she stared me down while a couple of educators in the room sniffled a bit, wiping tears.  We don't make more money if he goes here or there.  We are only in on this to find the best spot for the child.  Trust us.  Trust our best intentions.  Trust that we will provide every chance for success.  But don't count on us to do it all. We will all vow to work together to help this child.  This is a team effort.

Then the call.  He is coming...

21 comments

Unknown | September 22, 2010 at 10:38 PM

You really have such a great spirit. That child is lucky; I hope his mother appreciates the gift she's been given in having you there for her little boy.

Robin | September 23, 2010 at 12:06 AM

It sounds like she felt heard and validated. I'm sure that was half the battle.

You did a great job.

Miss Tinselly | September 23, 2010 at 5:05 AM

Lucky kid, lucky mom, lucky you :)

gigi | September 23, 2010 at 5:19 AM

Bless you!!

The Crash Test Dummy | September 23, 2010 at 5:23 AM

Oooh DeNae beat missrobin.

Hey, that was lovely. You are such a good writer. And teacher.

And you're pretty too. ;)

AnneMarie | September 23, 2010 at 7:07 AM

Amazing post-thanks for sharing.

val of the south | September 23, 2010 at 7:52 AM

I second DeNae!

Barbaloot | September 23, 2010 at 8:14 AM

I can't imagine the feelings that must go through people as they realize they have a special needs child. I am in awe of you and others who take the time to work with and help them.

Becca | September 23, 2010 at 8:22 AM

Yea for the greatest teachers - including the Moms who sweat and cry for the success of their littles.

Rebecca Blevins | September 23, 2010 at 8:58 AM

I third DeNae. You're wonderful, Kazzy!

CiCi | September 23, 2010 at 9:35 AM

Very tough job. Very very.

Erin | September 23, 2010 at 9:39 AM

Awww, that's so sweet! I got warm fuzzies reading that.

Heidi | September 23, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Yay! I remember when Michael was first put in special ed at age 3, and then again, after we had moved and put him in regular kindergarten and they wanted to put him back in special ed again, oh, the pain! It feels like a real rejection b/c, as mothers, our job is to raise self-sufficient people who can contribute to society in a positive way. This is one of the first signs that it might not happen. Instead, many of these children will be some kind of drain on society. It's such a failure. I, personally, am over that now, but when it is all new ... augh! That woman is so lucky that she has you, someone who understands and cares . .. .

Kazzy | September 23, 2010 at 11:15 AM

It is easy for me to take a higher road when I am not a mom of a special needs child. I am not fooling myself on this. But I at least try to bridge the gap a little between despair and hope.

Anonymous | September 23, 2010 at 12:19 PM

Wow. Could you come to my school? So proud of you.

The Way I See It | September 23, 2010 at 12:51 PM

Sounds like YOU worked a miracle. I teared up myself.

Charlotte | September 23, 2010 at 2:20 PM

I love that you understand her frustration and take it for what it is, her love for her child. I'm glad she chose to go with your class.

Connie | September 23, 2010 at 8:11 PM

He'll succeed in your class. Mom will be happy.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | September 23, 2010 at 9:54 PM

What a hard thing for her. I'm so glad you were there, to inspire that oh so needed trust.

That Girl | September 24, 2010 at 10:19 PM

Sounds like it's going to be a great year.

Jenny | September 26, 2010 at 7:02 PM

your handling it well.