Life Changes

Life Changes

     I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I submitted my application to be a presenter at T.M.E.A. nearly a year ago.  I was not prepared for so many opportunities just from this clinic.  The range of emotions that I have been feeling for over two weeks feels like a roller-coaster.  I was up one minute, down the next, just deciding what I was going to do next with my life.  I have come to the conclusion that my inner voice can't be silenced anymore; therefore I am going to pursue my Master's degree at my alma mater, SMU.  I am excited and quite nervous about this new adventure in my life, but who would I be to silence that voice that has been speaking to me for a year now?  I felt it deep down in my heart to go back to SMU when I took a practice test three weeks ago at Simmons School of Education.  SMU is an unusual school, simply because they are not just a school.  SMU is a higher institution of learning that encourages their students to think big and outside the box.  I would say I received the BEST education at SMU because of the amazing professors.  Two of those professors have become mentors and friends to me!  I can't thank these two professors enough, simply because they have been incredible mentors and role models for me.  I aspire to be what they are to me:  lovers of philosophy, art, and music, who encourage their students in and out of the classroom.  I have a very strong bond with both of these women, simply because they "get" me.  

     I realized last year I needed to go back to school to obtain my Master's in Special Education because of the lack of understanding and knowledge that Cole's principal and Special Education teacher had.  I liked Cole's teacher, but she lacked the understanding and knowledge to actually "get" Cole.  Cole is like me-- he thinks outside of the box and told me the other day Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is not Franki Valli and the Four Seasons!  My son is brilliant and can make correlations between music, a genre, and remembers what year a song has been created and released.  I have been volunteering to teach music in Cole's Special Education class since last October and one thing I realized is nearly all of the students in this particular class are obsessed with dates.  The students like to play a game with me, which has become quite funny!  They ask me when was "Blue Moon" first written and sung it first?  They know I love this song, so they always tease me by telling me wrong answer.  You have to be in the class to get this humor, but these kids are incredible.  Cole can tell me on the musical timeline we have created when each song, what year, and what type of music it is (genre).  These kids are extremely bright and intelligent, but they need that extra help when trying to acquire a new math, english, or history concept. 

     I am very excited about returning to the classroom as a student.  I look forward to learning more, expanding my outlook on how special education is taught in the real world, as well as understanding what is expected of me as a special education teacher.  Cole has taught me a lot about life, and I sure hope I can return the favor to those families and students who have an I.E.P. or 504.  IDEA is NOT just an IDEA.  IDEA is a law that protects each student who has a disability.  Stay tuned for my next big announcement!