Week 13

Week 13 – Go in His Grace

This week began with a focus on prayer. I committed to a new week, accepting the responsibility to show up and fulfill my role—whatever may come. I worked with students on problem-solving and started a new leveled reader for small groups. I also had a follow-up meeting about last week’s IEP and was humbled to learn that my voice was heard, even when the outcome didn’t make sense to me at the time. I was met with understanding and patience. When I admitted that my confidence has been shaky in this position, I received encouragement and reassurance about my abilities. I left the day feeling respect and admiration for the leaders above me.

On Tuesday, I supported students with behavior and provided services to a student working in an alternate setting due to discipline. I learned so much from that experience. I am patient—but patience still has its limits. This student tries every possible strategy to avoid work, even with breaks and high reinforcement. I was frustrated by the end of the day, but even in that frustration, I found myself determined to keep trying. I will find a way to reach this student. Despite the challenge, the day was productive, and I finished strong by updating data and catching up on paperwork for recent IEPs.

Wednesday brought a more hands-on approach to multiplication before shifting into reading fluency. That afternoon, our ESE team met to discuss the barriers we face in our classrooms. My goal was simply to listen, but I did share that one challenge I have is determining the appropriate level of service each student needs—supporting them without becoming a crutch, yet not stepping back too far. It was encouraging to hear other educators share their own hurdles, both instructional and behavioral. Afterwards, I met with my mentee, helped her with classroom questions, and simply offered space to talk. I’m someone who wants to fix everything, but she reminded me that sometimes people don’t need solutions—they just need a listening ear.

Thursday was full and fast-moving. I found answers to a question that had been on my mind and learned something new in the process. I moved in and out of classrooms and tried to bring joy with me—even reading vocabulary definitions in Spanish, which made the kids laugh so hard. I’m getting braver about finding my small-group spaces and more comfortable showing up as myself. I didn’t get home until later due to a commitment, but the day was still a good one.

By Friday, I was tired, and the schedule was shifted because of the middle school honor roll ceremony. I still worked with several students but had to adapt on the fly. I’m learning that some students truly benefit from extended time—and others have it as an accommodation but don’t actually need it. After helping my mentee with something and chatting with another teacher, I wrapped up my day and headed out.

It was a full, demanding week—one that closed with difficult news. I learned that my dad had been taken to the hospital and is now being referred to a neurologist for further testing. Time feels like the enemy sometimes. It hit me how deeply I still rely on my parents for reassurance. As quickly as this week passed, the biggest lesson it gave me was this: cherish the time we have with the people we love.

Later, I watched a video released by our senior ESE administrator, where she interviewed a behavior analyst I worked with years ago. He shared his “why”—his heart for making teachers’ lives a little easier by supporting them with students who need more. He sees his job as an act of service, and it shows in everything he says and does. His reminder was simple but powerful: yes, we have hard and exhausting days—but every single day, we are given the opportunity to be God’s hands and feet for both children and adults.

Go in His grace.