Experience Summary
As a teacher for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, I had the privilege of working with students, age 3 to 21, who had significant cognitive impairments, and occasionally other disabilities such as autism and physically impairments. I retired in June after 32 years. My experience with students involved instruction in all areas of development, including functional academics, communication, social, community, employment, and daily living skills.
Teaching Style
I found each day of working with my students both challenging and rewarding. I do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to education; rather I feel that programs should be developed/adapted to meet the needs of each individual. Educators must fit the program to the child, not fit the child to the program. Whether or not a student has a disability, it seems to me that the goals are basically the same: to help our youth to develop their maximum potential, whatever that may be, and to grow to be competent, productive, and independent young adults.