At the end of the summer an extraordinary teaching mentor
gave me a beautiful journal. There’s
heartfelt note inside the journal. In part it reminds me that my first year of
teaching will be tough and special. I should take many photos of school events,
build relationships within the school community, and write. Truthfully, I haven’t written too often. I love to write. I’m just in a season where finding the right
words is tough. Today is National
Cerebral Palsy Awareness day. As a new teacher who copes with cerebral palsy I
promised that I would find time to write.
This time last year coping with cerebral palsy was
overwhelming and exhausting. It seemed that my call to teach was becoming more
of a burden than blessing. This year
though, I get to celebrate the true JOY of what it means to navigate the world
as a young disabled professional. Research reveals that cerebral palsy is one of
the most common disabilities in the world. We also know that while there isn’t a cure. Furthermore
research will explain that generally people with disabilities are twice as
likely to be unemployed than our non-disabled peers. It’s simple; going to work is a
privilege. This time last year the life
I’m living right now felt so far out of reach. I was thoroughly convinced that
mentors and dear friends were just being kind when they told me I should keep
my drive to teach. So today as I learn
to teach History from my sofa amidst the pandemic I also want to celebrate that
it is gift to be a teacher.
The days of first year teaching are challenging. Most
days I can’t decide if a task is difficult because I’m a teacher or because I’m
a teacher who copes with cerebral palsy.
Truthfully it’s often a
combination of the two. It’s a tough and
constant inner battle that I can’t easily communicate with others. The same question that constantly irritates
me also leaves me with sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
This is the part of my story that I want
to share.
A few weeks ago I had a meeting with the principal to
talk about a recent classroom observation.
He provided me with helpful and constructive feedback. Then he made a comment that has replayed in
my head a dozen times. You are succeeding and will continue to be a success.
His remarks stuck with me. They
were simple and kind. They were also
powerful. There’s always been this idea
that students need impactful adults to help them become a success. This is true
but I think that people often forget that students will become adults. The
truth is that everyone needs to be encouraged and empowered. In a world of brokenness giving someone the
opportunity to use her abilities for good is life changing!
The greatest part of my story isn’t the complexities of
cerebral palsy it is about compassionate community. We are stronger together!
With a grateful heart,
Teacher Julie
