Special Education Reflections

 This is another of my favorite shots from the Eugene Rose Garden. My visits to the Rose Garden are just some of many fond memories I have of my life in Eugene. In addition, I feel like I have learned so many great lessons. 

 As I reflect back on my 14 year special education teaching career at North Eugene High School, I am most proud of the fact that I never missed a day of work due to being sick. I have taken good care of myself and I have wanted to be there for my students. However, it certainly has not been a perfect process. The positive side?  A note I received from a senior who is graduating from an alternative school. "I also wanted to say thank you for all of your help over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you." It does not get any better than that!

I have tried and tried to push students to achieve their full potential. I have had a small number of students who did not respond well to that approach and who asked for a new case manager. It seems those students were reluctant to get out of their comfort zones and persevere through the pain of learning. Ouch! I have just had to remind myself that despite my best efforts, I cannot please everyone all the time!