My Influence

Good or bad, many teachers leave an imprint on their students. Since my students are usually with me for four years it would seem that my influence would be considerable. However since all of my students have autism, the impact I have on their lives isn't necessarily what one would expect. My students' autism has a direct effect on their awareness of people and what people say and do to them in particular. Sometimes my students are even unaware of the names of their classmates, even though they have been with them for years. This year one student did not return to my class and a new student was added to my class. These two students look somewhat alike. Another one of my students calls the new student by the old student's name. It seems that unless a person greatly exaggerates their feelings or intentions my students don't notice. Therefore subtle slights or acts of favoritism might not be observed.

When my students were first placed in my class they were oblivious to typical grade school expectations. Behaviors that should have been automatic were completely absent. Even though the children were very sweet and interesting, they knew nothing about promptly coming to circle time, sitting quietly and listening during circle time, and staying in circle time until they were excused. They were similarly unaware of most school expectations.

I am deliberately leaving my mark on my students. My students obviously need to learn and practice a school attitude and I have been giving it to them. After being with me for a little more than three years they promptly come to circle time when signaled to do so, listen to the teacher during whole group activities, learn new information at school, and know that the reading, math and language lessons they do at school are important and fun. In fact, they have learned that school is a good place to be; a place that is interesting, comfortable and enjoyable. They are learning what school is and that they like school. The parents of my students have shared with me that their child likes to come to school. My aides and I have all noticed the progress the children make.