When people ask me what I do I respond with this, 'I'm a behavior support teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disorders'. I'm often followed up with more questions about what EXACTLY I do. After answering, the last question, I always get is 'why...'
This is my 'why'.
My sophomore year of college, I entered the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program giving me the opportunity to teach at the School for the Deaf in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was new, different and ASL was a passion of mine. I completed the internship and fell in love with the community, culture and students. I was set, so I thought..
After returning from the Deaf school, I had to complete another practicum to fulfill my other degree requirements, mild interventions. That's when I was first introduced to the world of behavior.
I was placed in a self-contained ED classroom in a high poverty area. We had students with stories, big behaviors and needing love. This classroom opened me up to the psychological aspects of teaching and the world of trauma and the impact of unmet basic needs.
I graduated that following year. I went to the job fair and sought out all the school corporations that had an ED position open (which was a lot). I interviewed, got a job and this is where I have been ever since.
Behavior is misunderstood. As an educator, I've made it my mission to educate others on the implications of behavior and the impact of society on students. I've chosen to educate others on what behavior really means and what it can tell us about students. I've become an advocate, supporter, researcher and above all else.. a teacher. A teacher to those who need a voice and love.
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