This Could Fail

This Could Fail is a reminder that failure is not an option and if something doesn't turn out the way that we wanted it to then we just have to try something else!  It's a reminder to take risks because "every failure is one step closer to success."

Autistic Student's Inspirational Graduation Speech

"Do not allow yourself or others to be defined by your limitations, but rather abilities."  That perfectly sums up how I feel about my students and why I do what I do.  This video is an inspirational testament of why we should all feel that way!

Tomorrow Is Too Long to Wait for Inclusion Things I Wish I Knew My First Year Of Teaching Special Education- Article Review

I recently read this great article that I wish my younger self would have read when I was in school (CLICK HERE TO READ IT TOO).  Special education is not for the weak of heart.  It doesn't matter how long you've done it or how good that you think that you are at it, there are always those days that sneak up on that make you wonder, "Do I even know what I am doing?"  "Am I doing the best job for my students" and if I am then why isn't it working?  You then calm down and come back to the reality that you are a great special education teacher.  You dedicate countless hours to these students, do hours and hours of professional development to continually do better for them, and want nothing more than to see them succeed...even more than they do sometimes.  It is extraodinarily hard work and that's why 50% of teachers drop out of teaching in 5 years and 75% are out within 7-10 years, but there are also extraordinary rewards when you see the moments that it finally clicks and our kids "get it!"

Introduction

My name is Amber Downey and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at Pioneer Ridge Middle School this year.  This is my 9th year in the ISD and I spent my previous 8 years at Spring Branch Elementary.  I received my Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and Masters of Science degree in 2002 from Central Missouri State University (since renamed University of Central Missouri).  I have 2 daughters in ISD also.  Deryan attends the 3rd grade at Spring Branch Elementary and McKenna attends William Chrisman (GO BEARS!) as a sophomore this year.  My passion is teaching children to communicate effectively with an extra special place in my heart for working with kids with autism.

Like most, I use technology in my everyday life.  Most of my everyday experiences are with the basics including email, calendars, drive, ipad apps, phone apps, etc.  I created a drive for my fellow ISD SLPs and myself to share therapy materials as well as a Special Education drive for special educators to share materials.  I use the ipad in my therapy sessions on an everyday basis from taking data to educational apps to using game apps as reinforcers.

I don't have any experience with blogging.  I love to read them and learn a great deal of information from them professionally, but didn't have the foggiest idea where to even start creating one myself.  I am looking forward to making that journey and being able to share information and collaborate with others.