What's the best (educational experience)

[Guest guest]

I posted this, but for some reason I can't find it. I'm hoping this works!

Re: 2 - What is the best?

Moving on to the good.

So, after the most horrible begining to Kindergarten you could imagine (see story in "worst" if you've not read it) things changed. An Angel, disguised as a Kindergarten teacher went to the principal and actually REQUESTED that be put into her class. She had seen him at the school, and was facinated by him. She felt like she could make a difference in his life.

From the first moment I met her, I knew that she was a gift to us from God. Bright, energetic, willing to communicate, wanting to do whatever it would take to make 's inclusion placement work. We became a team, and joined in helping this very special little guy. We talked on the phone or emailed daily. Often meeting together.

I can remember one meeting towards the end of the year. She had come up with a new incentive plan that was pretty elaborate. She spent hours working on it, and was explaining it to me. Realizing it was May, and there was only 3 weeks of school left, I asked her if she really wanted to put this much effort into this, since it was almost the end of school. Her answer? She didn't care if there was 3 days left, if it would help , it was worth it!

Then we were blessed another year, because both she and I decided that needed another year of Kindergarten to mature, and she was willing to have him in her class again. Took a bit to convince the principal and IEP team, but they eventually signed on.

Ms Z was only 25, no special ed training, but was the best thing that could have happened for my son (and for me!) Amazing woman. At the end of the year I wrote a poem for her and gave it to her along with a tiffany butterfly lamp. I'd like to share that poem with you.

Wings

I can vividly remember when the decision was made

For to be placed in a

Different Kindergarten classroom

I prayed for this new teacher:

Lord may she have

Eyes that can see more than his difficult behaviors

Ears that can hear past the words he speaks

Arms to embrace him in kindness

A Mouth that will bestow guidance and praise

A Mind that will ponder creative ideas

Wisdom to choose the methods to use

A Will that is even stronger than his!

Breath to fill the air with inspiration

A Heart that will love and see his potential

God answered my prayer

Every word

Spoken and unspoken

I will never be able to adequately express

The gratitude I feel

That you chose to be in my son's life

I hope when you look at this butterfly

You will think of your student

The little blonde boy

Who was so blessed to be in your class

As he continues to soar in the years to come

Remember...

It was you who helped to give him wings

Copyright © 2006 Donna M.

I also made this photo story slide show for her. If you click below, you can see just how "included" my son was. He is the little blonde boy with the bowl type haircut, easy to spot!

We'll Never Forget - Tribute to Ms Zin0