Thank you!
I had a comment posted to my blog entry Fathers Day Friday. It was an excellent comment, and an excellent viewpoint. As I began to reply I realized that my response was better as a post. HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
Anonymous-
I agree with you. Special Educators are a very special breed of teacher, who should be praised for their work, which is selfless, and honorable. And parents are very critical, because of their instinctive need to protect their children, and any thing that may hurt them either perceived or real, can always be a bone of contention. I can say I have had some benefit coming in from the outside. I would say that Jon has been very sheltered, I think in many ways because of the damage done by his real father. My wife always did what she thought was best, and unfortunately what she was pressured into by her mother (See my post about the “Overbearings”). I agree with you it is extremely important for all kids to be exposed to different types of teachers, and people for that matter, and we do have some history against us. I have viewed part of my role as a “New Dad” to try and push the boys out of their shelter and to help their mom realize that she has given what they needed from her, and that what they need are skills to survive the world out there. Now Will is ready to go, and will adapt to anyone he meets easily, and I have no doubt Jon will in time. I actually do like his current Special Ed teacher, and I will stand corrected, and apologize if it didn’t come out that way. I think she is well suited, and would be able to help Jon immensely. Though with Jon’s mental state, and learning disabilities, even his doctor has contacted the school. In her words, “he’s just not ready” for a direct personality, such as his current teacher has. Unfortunately part of his disability, (mental) and (learning) consists of the inability to understand social etiquette and behavior. (I don’t quite always believe it myself, but I do believe the medical professional.) And instead of these behaviors being self learned, she recommended a teacher that specializes in Behavioral skill, and learning skills. This way he can be taught social behavior and understanding, and then would understand the direct personalities, instead of shrinking away.
Anonymous, I want to say I do appreciate, and agree with your comments, and your point of view. And I also applaud you for your career as an educator. It is not an easy career, and does not come with the recognition it deserves, so thank you. I have no doubt that Jon will be successful in life not only because of his parents, but because of people like you who dedicate their professional lives to children. And thank you for giving me a reminder to step outside sometimes and look at the picture from a distance.
Add A Comment