Missy Bildeaux

Commentary #7

1. How do you see the role of the classroom teacher differently with respect to your IEP, 504 and
general ed students after hearing the presentation?

The role that I’m in as a classroom teacher with respect to IEP, 504, and general ed students was
confirmed after hearing the presentation. I’ve gone into this school year knowing that I’m a team with
my fellow teachers, counselors, social workers, special ed teachers, etc. Communication is extremely
important and we need to work together to best support all our students. I liked the conversations we
had about working together yet knowing I’m the expert in my classroom. It helps to clarify that we all
have our expertises and through collaboration we can be much more impactful on students. It also
emboldens me to further take charge of my classroom.
I appreciated the clarification we discussed about 504 plans. Students on 504 plans do not need
specifically designed instruction, but instead different accommodations. This could look like allowing
students to assess in a different room or allow for extended time on assignments. I also like how we
discussed how just because students have accommodations listed on their IEPs, it does not mean we
can’t do more to help support them and ensure their success. In my classroom I accommodate and
uniquely support each student as best I can. I’ve made notes on each student with IEPs and 504 plans
but I also make my own notes using my observations and conversations with these students. This allows
me to be flexible and make adjustments due to specific needs of each student in my specific classroom.
My role as a classroom teacher is to learn to best support all my students, no matter their
disabilities and needs. I can adjust my teaching styles when students seem frustrated or disengaged. I
can also implement classroom-wide activities for students who are struggling with ADHD or anxiety.
With being in hybrid, students are all adjusting to a new way of learning. We all have distractions and
we’ve all been asked to learn in a way we’re not familiar with. I can step up in my role as a teacher to be
aware and do my best to support all of these needs.

2. What do your new understandings mean for the way you will relate to and plan for
accommodating for your students moving forward?

Prior to this presentation, I did not consider how to better collaborate with the paras in my
classroom. I have two paras that are in two separate classes daily. One para is extremely active in the
course and does a great job of supporting her special ed students in the classroom. I have another para
who is not active in the class since her special ed student is fully engaged and doing very well. This para
is on her phone in the corner of the classroom for most of the class period. I now understand that I need
to do a better job of using their skills and knowledge to help teach all of my students. They are both
experienced in personal finance and they have, at the least, some insight to give. Inviting them into the
conversations and discussions with all of my students is a win for our classroom.
Another thing I immediately used in my classroom since the presentation is seeking to better
understand my students who are failing. During the presentation we talked about how students want
approval from their teacher and I need to do a better job of supporting them. Most of the students who
are failing are disengaged, not coming to class, and not turning in assignments. I’ve been in contact with
them but I need to continually ask them questions, get to know them, and celebrate the good moments
they have when they’re present. I endeavor to be open and honest with my students, and in turn, some
of my failing students have been open and honest with me. It takes a while to establish a
communication channel with some of these students, but once dialogue is started, it makes a big
difference.
Lastly, I need to also continue to communicate with our school’s special ed teachers. I need to
include them in the conversations with students and demonstrate how we’re all a team working together
to support that particular student. I also need to contact and befriend more of the special ed teachers in
our school and district. This will give me the opportunity to learn from them personally and
professionally making me a much better teacher and person.