This week, I successfully led my first two triennials ever. These are IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings that happen every 3 years that involve re-testing the students on different parameters. As intimidating as the process was at first, I quickly adapted and actually connected really well with both parents in the process of conducting the meetings.
That being said, I’m not an expert at it by any means. I agree with Malcolm Gladwell on the idea that it takes roughly 10,000 hours to be good at something. And even though I could argue I’m a good general education teacher, I’m still learning step by step when it comes to writing these legally mandated IEPS.
How’s it going overall? I would say 1/3 of my job involves “co-teaching”, which in reality is mostly me helping the students while the other teacher is teaching. One of my old students even asked “Mr…. why are you no longer teaching? Why are you just an assistant teacher now?”. I guess the joke’s on her though since I technically get paid the same amount for doing less. Another 1/3 of my job is teaching SDC students, where I’m supposed to modify the curriculum in the general education classroom for an even lower set of students. In an ideal world I’m not supposed to be lesson planning, but I often finding myself experimenting with more unique ideas than the lesson plans chosen by my co-teacher. We just have different styles. Finally, the last 1/3 of the job involves doing paperwork, which isn’t too bad – but not really something I find passion in doing.
In the end, I came into education to teach, to inspire, to lead, and to motivate kids to discover their inner potential and a drive for success.
Like my old college professor would say, I got into education to help students. I’m hoping the passion doesn’t die this year as I continue a new journey.
