Life of a Support Facilitator

Week 2: Time, Tools, and Teaching from the Heart Life of a Support Facilitator Time is of the essence. Tuesday was filled with back-to-back meetings, but even on the busiest days, I’m learning to use my time wisely with students. I often wish I had all day with them rather than just 30-minute sessions a few times a week. Still, those minutes matter — and I’m learning to make the most of them. One student told me I was the best part of her day. That simple comment reminded me why I love what I do. She also wasn’t afraid to tell me when she didn’t understand a math concept — and that’s growth. Fifth grade is a big leap from fourth, and helping students navigate that transition means being both teacher and encourager. Being a Support Facilitator is not for the faint of heart. My days are a constant shuffle between classrooms, students, and personalities. My head spins sometimes, but my heart stays steady. I want to help everyone, and saying “no” doesn’t come naturally. One lesson I...

  Day 6: The Joy Is in the Little Things Life of a Support Facilitator Have I told you how much I love my job? I was just telling my mom tonight how relaxing it feels — and yes, that might sound strange to anyone who hasn’t spent a day in the life of a Support Facilitator! But there’s something deeply fulfilling about moving from class to class, helping students find success, and knowing that each small victory matters. Math, Motivation, and Meaningful Moments I started the day with my first class, administering a math test on geometric figures . I was able to jump right in, monitor students, and make sure everyone stayed on task. I continue to believe that many students with IEPs perform better when their tests are read by a human rather than a computer’s monotone voice. A human reader provides tone, pacing, and the ability to pause or clarify — all of which make a big difference for students who need help processing questions and answer choices. Engagement goes up, and frustrat...

  Day 5: Finding Joy in the Everyday Moments Life of a Support Facilitator Today started with my morning duty , waving cars through during drop-off with my trusty stop/go sign and fan in hand. It’s a small routine that has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the day — seeing students’ smiles as they arrive and offering a cheerful “good morning” to start their day right. Morning Adventures: Fire Drills and Phonics There were a few absences in my morning class, but that didn’t slow things down. Just as we began, the fire drill sounded! Once everyone was safely back inside, I began testing a student on phonics and word lists , followed by another student who had been eagerly asking if it was her turn to test. I also worked with a student I hadn’t spent much time with yet. Later, I conducted a few math diagnostic assessments and enjoyed seeing one student grow more relaxed in my space. He’s a bit of a puzzle — his comprehension skills are lower than expected, but his fluency ...

  Day 4: Little Moments, Big Joy Life of a Support Facilitator I had another great day — I truly love my job! This morning started with a familiar knock on my door — the same boy from yesterday came by just to visit while I was making a token board for another student. He asked if he could have one too and proudly brought it to his teacher to ask if he could use it. I love how quickly students respond to positive reinforcement tools when they feel ownership of them. Testing, Teaching, and a Touch of Humor In my first class, I tested two students on a math assessment . I loved how the teacher provided each student with a small bag of 3D shapes to use as references — what a creative and hands-on way to support understanding! When I entered my next class, several students greeted me enthusiastically, and one even held the door open for me. Another student immediately asked to work with me, even though he wasn’t on my schedule or caseload. Those are the little moments that make thi...

  Day 3: Lessons from the Everyday Moments Life of a Support Facilitator My day started with a knock on my door. One of my students stopped by just to say “hi” — and, of course, to grab a fidget toy! Those small visits remind me how important it is for students to have a safe, familiar person they can check in with at any time. I walked to my first class, but mornings can be tricky — students are still arriving, routines are just starting, and it takes a little flexibility to make things flow. I just had to make it work. Morning Collaboration and Flexibility My next stop quickly became one of my favorite moments of the day. My assigned student was absent, so instead of sitting idle, I helped the teacher get another student back on task by creating a quick token system . It worked beautifully! Sometimes the simplest strategies have the biggest impact. During recess, I chatted with the 4th grade team before heading to collaborate with a colleague on assessment and curriculum p...

  Day 2: Teaching on Wheels Life of a Support Facilitator Today was peaceful and relaxing — one of those rare school days that flows just right. I loved seeing my students and reconnecting with familiar faces. I started the morning preparing for my first class and working with a student who persevered through a difficult math test . His determination impressed me, and he was thrilled to earn Eagle Bucks — though, of course, he tried to negotiate for a higher amount! Reading, Rewards, and Resourcefulness In my second class, I tested two students in Reading. One of them lit up when I mentioned that my daughter had shown me a Katseye Sophia music video. It’s the little personal connections that matter most! She was eager to earn candy, but since I didn’t have any with me, I brought her to my room. Once there, she decided chocolate wouldn’t cut it and asked for three pieces of gum instead . I caved — and added a pen for good measure. My next Reading class didn’t go quite as p...

Day 1: Flying Like an Eagle (and Laughing Through It!) Life of a Support Facilitator – Grades 4–5 Well… did I tell you that I surpassed my exercise goal on the first day? 😅 After spending all of last week creating detailed student profiles and printing data sheets , today was finally my first official day visiting classrooms . Let’s just say — no one warned me it would double as cardio! Things They Don’t Tell You (But You’ll Learn Fast!) Lunch time is more of a suggestion — if you can squeeze in 5 minutes, consider it gourmet dining. If you’re going to reward kids , be prepared to back it up. (I may or may not have promised 50 Eagle Bucks for completing tasks… oops!) Set your timer for each class, but make sure you can truly fly like an eagle to the next one. Don’t forget your computer — but if you do, just wing it ! Invest in 3M command strips to Velcro heavy items to your cart. People may look at you funny when you roll by with what looks like a classroom...