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Week 36



Week 36: I Can Do Hard Things

Monday I hit the ground running, but this week felt a little more challenging since I had not been feeling well. As I settled into my first group, I realized I was not thinking as clearly as I normally do. It reminded me that even teachers can struggle with a math problem when we are tired or under the weather. It was a good reminder that learning requires patience—for both students and teachers.  As my schedule has grown increasingly full this year, I am more aware that not every student I support can always see me when unexpected situations arise. Later, I pulled a group to work on similes and review missed questions from a previous assessment. During that time, I noticed that some students can struggle to accept feedback when they feel confident in their answers. Moments like these are important opportunities to build flexibility and encourage deeper thinking.  I ended the day with an IEP amendment meeting and time spent catching up on paperwork.

Tuesday was back-to-back. I worked with some fifth-grade students on test prep strategies for the upcoming week. One of the benefits of being a support facilitator is the opportunity for unexpected small-group instruction due to schedule shifts or classroom needs. It is important to take advantage of those moments because they allow students to learn in a setting where they feel comfortable and supported by someone they know.  I am also continuing to learn the importance of setting boundaries so that I can use my time effectively and maintain balance. Later, I worked with a student who was demonstrating more behavior than usual, which can often be connected to factors outside of school. In this case, the student had very little sleep the night before. It served as a reminder of how important rest and stability are in supporting student success.  After that, I was asked to sub for a class. A student needed help locating information in her book, and using the index proved to be a helpful and successful strategy.

Wednesday included three back-to-back IEP meetings. During lunch, I participated in a Jeopardy-style review game with students. At the end of the day, our administration organized a Teacher Appreciation Week event with ice cream floats and a Disney theme, which was a thoughtful and enjoyable way to celebrate staff.  Reflecting on the IEP meetings, I was reminded that when teams have differing perspectives, data is essential. Not only IEP data, but also testing results, psychological evaluations, classroom performance, observations, and assessments all contribute to making informed, student-centered decisions.

On Thursday, while working with a group, one student was initially reluctant to participate and demonstrated challenging behaviors. In this situation, a strategy of planned ignoring, paired with continued opportunities to engage, was effective. I continued to include the student by offering chances to respond, which allowed him to feel supported without reinforcing the behavior. By the end of the session, he was more settled and able to re-engage with the group.  Although I was still not feeling well, I continued supporting students, collaborating with teachers, and working through FAST test preparation with my final group.

By Friday, my goal was to get through the day while also prioritizing rest. Despite being under the weather, I continued supporting behavior and assisting students as needed. We also had lunch provided by a local church, which was greatly appreciated.  Being a support facilitator means being prepared for a wide range of situations each day. There are many perspectives to consider—those of teachers, administrators, colleagues, parents, and students. Learning to reflect on that input while staying grounded in my professional judgment has been an important area of growth for me.

I remind myself:
I am capable.
I am enough.
I am worth it.
I can do hard things.

This year has been challenging, but I made it through. I am not the same person I was at the beginning of the year. I have grown both personally and professionally.

The role of a support facilitator is complex and often behind the scenes. The next time you see one, take a moment to thank them for all they do.

They do not hear it enough.

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