Newsgroups: bit.listserv.deaf-l
Date:         Thu, 19 Nov 1992 19:48:18 EST
From:         "Cathy Brandt" <CBRAN00@UKCC.UKY.EDU>
Subject:      this and that from the teacher

Hello all!  Just sat down and read through over 50 posts from Deaf-L.   Am
constantly amazed by the diversity of opinions and the way in which folks deal
with one another on the list.

I'll comment on a few of the posts - Esther your post really hit this teacher.

Let the teachers decide what school program is best?  Ahhhhhhhhh!! Can you all
imagine the frantic look on my face?  Certainly I have been trained in a
variety of educational methods.  Of course, I have gone to school in order to
learn how to effectively teach kids how to learn - and how to be life long
learners.  Most definitely I recieved training regarding dealing with children
who excel and those who have difficultty.  Yes, I am a teacher.  But, these
children as much as I love them are NOT ultimately MY responsibility.  They are
the responsibility of the parent.  Want to see someone on a soapbox?  Here I go
  -  That is one of the major problems in America today.  Parents are not
taking responsibility for their kids.  They are to involved in other areas of
life and they neglect their children and their needs.  IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIB-
LITY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM OR EVEN A PRIVATE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO BE SOLEY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EDUCATION OF A CHILD.  I think it is obvious how much I
adore my children - even the ones who are challenges and want to run my class-
room (not to mention my private life - someone out there will understand).  I
live, breathe and sleep these kids.  They are my life.  I love to come to this
classroom and expose them to so much that they are just waiting to soak up and
learn.  I gladly and willingly accept the responsibility to do all that I can
to provide quality instruction to these kids.  BUT IT IS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY
TO MAKE MAJOR DECISIONS AS TO TYPES OF PROGRAMS, COMMUNICATION METHODS, TYPES
OF AMPLIFICATION (if any) ETC.  Parents brought kids into the world and they
must take that responsibility.  Once they choose - if they choose this program
it is my responsibility to provide all that I can within this environment.  It
is my responsibility to motivate, challenge and inspire kids to be enthralled
with learning.  But, it is NOT my responsibility to MAKE them learn.  Students
and parents must take that responsbility.  How much can we expect teachers to
do?  How much more can I realistically do?

O.k.  I'm finished.  Sorry - just had to respond.

Different subject - Cochlear Implants.

Yeah, kids are wearing these in fanny packs/belly bags that are so popular
these days.  Also, the little kids wear t-shirts onto which their moms have
sewn pockets.  They go in the pocket and are pinned.  The magnet does fall off
of the head occasionally much like one's glasses slip down the nose - easilly
reattached.  Or, in the case of my challenge/joy/matchmaker etc his always
mysteriously jumps onto door frames, blackboards - anything metal!  He loves it
Thinks it's awesome he has the ability to attach himself to so many things.
And of course one day when he was being his affectionate self and hugging me it
attached to my earing.  Too funny!  Kid is too sweet.  He loved it.

I experience first hand these kids and their experiences with them.  Was with
the afore mentioned child when he first heard a bird and could identify that it
was a bird.  He loved that.  He is also the one who turns his off when he has
had enough of me for the day.   Haven't seen the negative side yet.  Some use
them more efficiently than othrs.  Guess only time will tell all of the
ramifications.

That's all for now.

Cathy - teacher of children who last week wanted to take turns interpreting for
one another!  Yeah, they wanted me to talk only and they took turns listening
and lipreading and signing for the others.  One even attempted it when our
guest reader came in to read to the kids.

They amaze me!    Seriously, you all need to visit Lexington and meet them.
I would love to expose them to the diversity of this list!
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