Teacher Tip Tuesday

I just realized I didn't create a Tuesday theme.  So here is is...Teacher Tip Tuesday.  My reflective prompt while preparing this was: What tip could a teacher give a parent to help them out?

Millions of things come to mind.  Read with your child every night.  Talk about money and making change while at the store.  Make observations while at the park.  These are all pretty run in the mill stuff you can catch in any good teacher's monthly newletter.  So what teacher tip could I offer that would be different?

I'm just wrapping up my first month as a gifted education teacher.  After attending many meetings and learning a lot about forms and deadlines.  And how important it is that parents come to their child's IEP or EP meetings...let alone teacher conferences...My tip is this:

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILDREN!  You are your child's best chance at having a successful school experience.  It is so true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  I would love to tell you that every school is an amazing learning environment filled to the brim with highly effective teachers who have all the time in the world to give each child all the attention they deserve but that's just not the case. 

The reality is that schools do the best they can.  We are continually seeing budget cuts.  Teachers are underpaid and don't always receive the supports needed to service each child's needed...especially when the need is unidentified.  It's a sad cruel reality.  Compassion and empathy are needed.  As a parent and a teacher, I find myself hunting for those two skills often.

I found an article about how to advocate for your child from the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  However, I think these suggestions are good for any and all students.

1. Know the rules.
2. Get to know the people who make decisions about your child's education.
3. Keep records.
4. Gather information.
5. Communicate effectively.
6. Know your child's strengths and interests and share them with educators.
7. Emphasize solutions.
8. Focus on the big picture.
9. Involve your child in decision making as early as you can.

I know that it can be hard not to turn in to big bad mama bear when you feel your child isn't getting what they need.  Arming yourself with research, information, and solution suggestions is the perfect way to help make sure your child gets what they need.  Ask questions.  Tons of them.  If you don't get answers...seek new experts.  But know that your child's teacher is probably doing the very best they can in a very complicated system full of red tape, deadlines, and paperwork.

This post is dedicated to all my friends and family members who have children with special needs.  Keeping fighting for your babies.  You will reap all the rewards!