I am always a ball of emotions during IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings. I am happy to hear of any progress Tysen has made. I am disheartened to hear of any goals not met or behaviors he struggles with. And it can also be a very surreal experience to be on the other side of the table.
When I was a little girl, I remember walking the halls of my elementary school. When walking past what was known as the “special ed” room, I was very curious about what exactly made this room special. I, of course, noticed that some of the children seemed very different from me. Some of them could not walk or talk. Some of them rode in special chairs or had other devices to help them be mobile. Some of the other children appeared to be just like me. I didn’t understand why they were in the special class. Sometimes, the children would visit my classroom with an assistant. Their mental and physical disabilities always fascinated me.
When I became a teacher, I had the opportunity to participate in IEP meetings for some of my students. My focus was to ensure they could accomplish their goals and even do things they felt they weren’t capable of doing. I never had any experience with students with physical disabilities. My students had mental, emotional, and educational issues. What I enjoyed most about working in such a small school was the individual time I could devote to the students who needed it most. It almost feels surreal sometimes to now have a child with special needs. I often think about how I never intended to enter into the field of education. My intention was to enter the dental field. However, by my senior year in college, I decided that I no longer wanted to pursue those career goals. I was unsure of what path I would take. My counselor suggested that I take my teaching exams and teach school until I figured out what I wanted to do. As it turned out, educating youth was exactly what I wanted to do. I never dreamed that the path my career has taken me was, all along, preparing me to be the mother of a child with special needs. That, along with my faith in God, would give me all of the tools I needed to take this journey.
As a teacher, it was hard for me to understand what a parent must have been feeling when faced with their child’s educational challenges. My main focus was to educate and prepare my students to succeed in the world. Now, as a parent, I am faced with two sides of the spectrum. As Tysen’s mother, it hurts my heart that his medical condition will force him to face extraordinary challenges. It is my job to nurture, love and support him; believe in him and pray for his strength and courage every day. As his teacher, I have the same goals as before. I am to take a large role in educating him and preparing him to supersede any challenge or expectation.
We have been extremely fortunate thus far to have teachers that not only educate Tysen, but nurture and support him as well. They put their all into his goals, and are just as excited about his accomplishments as I am. Watch out world, Tysen is on the horizon.
Magnolia Mommy 