Students and their families have been exposed to people, programs, resources, and connections that can open doors for them, and they are able to navigate and access those opportunities.
Access
For most of my students, my class is their first experience with the formal school setting, and the very beginning of their developmental journey through education. Because of their age, and for some of them, their exceptionalities, it is my role to first, and foremost, be their advocate. Moving beyond the typical expectations as their teacher, I connect my students and their families to resources, programs, and places that expose them to novel, yet relevant experiences as well as help them navigate these new opportunities. It is my hope that these experiences not only open doors of access for my little learners, but also empower them to advocate for themselves.
Click on the pictures and links below to learn more about how I researched, planned, and executed opportunities for my students to explore alternative pathways and connect with their community through new experiences.
As a special education teacher, I feel it is not only my role as an educator, but also my responsibility to expose my students to pathways that open doors of opportunity, and connect that opportunity to their continued education. These pathways require a significant amount of time and research to ensure that the exposure not only fits the needs of my students, but is also relevant to their experience and culture. Further, I must also cultivate relationships with my students' families in order to support them in continuing to navigate barriers, and access these opportunities.
*Photos courtesy of Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge.