An Experience

I had the very fortunate experience of substitute teaching in the Westfield-Washington School Elementary district in Westfield, Indiana. I tried a few different jobs, kindergarten, third grade...and then I found Life Skills. Immediately I was hooked. Life Skills was a large classroom divided into multiple sections with various learning levels and simple daily life tasks that a person can benefit from knowing. For instance, how to spell your name, recognize danger signs, brush your teeth...I didnt have twenty-five students to stand up in front of and herd throughout the day. Generally, I would have one or sometimes three students hanging out with me. Each student hand an IEP and many of the students had cerebral palsy, autism, and an array of immune deficient issues, seeing difficulties, non-verbal, and motor control , like MS. 

The reason they needed a substitute became clearer to me each time I returned. The days were hard and challenging in ways people generally only have to deal with with their own kids...the kids in my Life Skills class were just that, kids. Funny, clever, would get frustrated, laugh, play...only they were trapped inside these bodies that didn't work how they wanted them to. Often I would see them want to play or stay outside...and what do you suppose a child who wants to be heard that can't speak or yell or run away does? They each do their own thing. Flop on the floor, spit on you, wet themselves, spin around in circles, take of their clothes, bite... Most days were great, the kids and I got to know each other and I did occasionally get in trouble for following the child and not sticking to the IEP but we had fun and they learned. So, the implications of free, public, and appropriate education are a huge challenge. I came to realize that block shifts would be more beneficial to these students and teachers. They would get frustrated and as a sub I could relieve them, but I had other jobs and then moved to Montana.

The other children in the school were very friendly and helpful so it appeared as though they had some insight and empathy. Although, some children were frightened by the outbursts, and lunch time was always interesting and occasionally icky. All in all it seems that if the classrooms are fully staffed appropriately and have some form of rotating work schedule the students appear to benefit and learn helpful life tools. As with any community, there are varying ability levels that need to be considered wherever you may be. With these levels, resources and educators would do well to implement a system that works best for their situation. The possibilities are endless!