RHM Designs

Stack of four different signs yellow red and black on red sticks in English and Spanish.

I went to my Union Ralley today. Fully staffed, stable staff, we can’t wait.

An iPad screen with AAC speech “I am a Million years old”

My AAC is finally approved for work. This is how I model for my students. I customized this morning.

I am a teacher whose room evolves with information over time. Not Pinterest but I’m leaning in Type B.

Today: unhappy student, a different issue requiring professional support, the never ending paperwork, a PD at the end of the day and I got to see a coworker who started everything with me.

White chart paper with words in rectangles outlined in purple, green, blue, pink, and yellow. Based on part of speech

My students enjoy doing things with tape. We will post the visuals with these words as a lesson. One day, I will buy another set of pocket charts and then figure out how to get it on the wall. (My students destroy staples and pushpins)

My room is finally come along. School has only been in session for 5 weeks. Now I need to add the things for ELA and Math.

I opened my room this week. The mess is contained in a corner. The students were unhappy that everything wasn’t where they left it and then they moved half the things I set up.

Each photo is 1 hour of prep work. Teachers are always working

Prepping for the upcoming year doesn’t happen unless. Just like the Lorax. #ThirdYearSpEdTeacher

It took a few tries to get this to work. Not going to send this to sale because there is a big reason I’m using a serif font. But did get the page count down and will require some more cutting. But printed about 40% ready.

Not ok: I’m literally speaking with a friend who has a baby (2 yo) with another on the way, and I’m giving them ideas for making sure if he’s out with either mom or dad and they get “mistakenly taken by ICE” that someone can contact other family to get the kid home. This wasn’t in Adulting 101

While the certificate was used to validate to the state, as of July, I have a “clear” credential. Two more years and they will let me have a student teacher….

My brain is in overdrive trying to solve the parts I don’t have. The lists help make the tiny parts accessible for my students and unfortunately there are dozens of tiny parts. #SpEdTeacher #ThirdYearTeacher

I believe in due process before the law. I believe in innocent until proven guilty. I am acquainted with someone who was just arrested. May the law be fair and balanced.

Lizard with attitude. Look dude, I’m sorry I came home and interrupted your sunning.

6) 10/10 would do again, 7) tomorrow we bake 2/2

Ok the Field Trip lowdown: 1) first solo special ed trip.
2) only lost one student for under 2 minutes 3) frustration: students and grocery carts were way too attractive to glass liquor bottles 😳😬 4) they all did well even with me dragging a wagon 5) it got really hot on the way back, 1/2

The new person brought on for Year Three concerns me with their approach. I have to wait this out. I’m sure their methods will get good outcomes. — it’s a stretch. 2/🧵

My year one my team was ok. The least skilled of the team was only on for a year and there were bumps but we respected each other. My year two had a deep feeling about someone brought on. And that feeling came true. And there was sadness for the full team. 1/🧵

The wild turkey want coffee…

The time I run a lesson I haven’t tried with my oldest students ever. And it lands and they are impressive. #SecondYearSpEdTeacher

The state said In good. Paperwork is in the right places and the money has been paid. My credential is cleared. I can begin #Year3Teaching

Photo of black chair with arm rests and two tables, one lower and a full desk with various items on the desk with cables

It took two and a half days to clear my classroom. I’m checked out. Key with admin. #SecondYearTeacher I will be back.

And… then I wrote my end of year family letter and switched languages just as I was about to tell the families how to reach me — hold on I’m teaching ESY, I’m on contract for several more weeks. #SpEdLife 2/2

The level of chaos I unlocked today after sending students home: I have found the home of six legged little classroom auditors. #SpEdLife 1/2

Photo of cat: black with white patches getting cheek scritches

When you cat sit and after 20 hours, the cat claims you are an acceptable human.

Maybe? Outlook not so good.

A short collection of things I’ve had to say as #SecondYearSpEdTeacher
1) lick the bus less please
2) puzzle pieces belong on the table
3) well, you can keep kicking the brick wall, but try it with shoes first
4) the dead squirrel has no interest in being your fidget

Photo: brown cardboard box, with dozens of tiny colored balls (some blue, brown, red, yellow, green, white)

Never, ever underestimate my class again with any toy. This was found after a toy was partially pried open and then we found the marbles all across the classroom. Got them all before someone tried to eat them…

I don’t know one educator without a plan. I hope never to use it. My students have disabilities that complicate every single situation. I know the difference between expectation and duty. My wish is my students’ parents never have to know the story. 5/🧵