The Helper’s Heart: The Journey of a Special Young Man
katemangostar on Freepik The Helper's Heart: The Journey of a Special Young Man This young man was once my student. He would easily get frustrated as a sixth grader, and academic tasks were difficult. He would get mad at me and say, "I done, ok?" so then I knew I shouldn't…...
Downright Perfect: Raising a Compassionate and Caring Girl
Image by kjpargeter on Freepik Downright Perfect: Raising a Compassionate and Caring Girl I was very excited to get this interview because this girl has amazing skills and much to share with everyone. I am lucky to have met her. I am friends with her aunt, and even though…...
Amazing Grace: Redefining Limits and Finding Joy
Amazing Grace: Redefining Limits and Finding Joy Don't limit what can be accomplished if you want it! This beautiful girl has Down syndrome, but that does not define her or put limits on her. Even though I did not teach her, I know her and her mother. When I asked her…...
The Power of Ability: Recognizing Down Right Exceptional Organizational Skills
Image by Freepik The Power of Ability: Recognizing Down Right Exceptional Organizational Skills Recently I went to our local Goodwill store to see two former students hard at work. They had invited me to see them at work. One of these girls was stocking donated books and carefully putting them…...
Embracing Our Differences: Creating a Brighter, More Inclusive World
Embracing Our Differences For the last two years, my husband and I have loved seeing the beautiful billboard-size posters on display at Bayfront Park,…...
5 Things Teachers Want Parents To Know
Image by brgfx on Freepik 5 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew I recently had a blog post about what parents wished teachers knew, so I thought I would reverse it and ask teachers what they wanted parents to know. Here are the top 5 things teacher friends told me: 1.…...
Cookies and Cars: One Way to Happiness
Image by Freepik Cookies and Cars: One Way to Happiness Recently at Night to Shine, I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table with this former student and her provider. She is a high school graduate and has done some amazing things since graduation. One great accomplishment is she has started…...
Shining Bright: Celebrating a Special Helper
Image by brgfx on Freepik Today I want you to meet a former student of mine who is now in high school. As a student in my class, he loved to be a helper and loved to be involved in group projects with his friends. We started each day as kids entered…...
Their Night to Shine, Our Night to Serve
pch.vector on Freepik The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors Night to Shine which is an unforgettable prom night experience. It is for people with special needs ages 14 and older. The first Night to Shine occurred in 2015. The parties are now held across all 50 of the United States and are hosted by…...
Down Right Amazing: Embracing Diversity
Image by Freepik This is a young man that I have not met, but I can tell he is an extraordinary young man. My oldest daughter met his mom at an exercise class and said he would be a great subject for my blog. She said, "Mom, you will love this lady. She's…...
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“Deb has always been a champion for her students. She builds long-lasting relationships with her students and their families. Deb’s classroom over the years focused not only on quality instruction but also on teaching her students social skills and getting her students involved in community service projects.”
– Jim Shields, Human Resources Director of Medina City Schools, Medina, OH