Annie Bradford

It seems that, as parents and educators, we mold children's values and morals. We teach them valuable lessons related to honesty, courage, integrity, loyalty and so on. Yet it seems that we allow children to dictate to us the concept of 'fairness.' When asked to define 'fairness,' most children respond: "Fairness means everybody gets the same." Unfortunately, we often allow children to convince us that this indeed is the definition of that concept. As a result, we attempt to deal with all children in an identical manner. When a teacher modifies a lesson for an LD child or adjusts the course requirements for him, his classmates charge that the situation is 'unfair.' Rather than respond to their complaints, the teacher should explain that the mature conceptualization of 'fairness' is not equal, identical treatment; rather, 'fairness' means that every student receives what he needs. Because each individual's needs are different, 'fairness' dictates that their programs and expectations will be different. Children are capable of understanding this concept if it is explained clearly and if it is observed daily in the teacher's modeling behavior. -Rick Lavoie

Educational Values and Beliefs I am a Special Education teacher. I have always wanted to have students and people with special needs in my life for as long as I can remember. Being a teacher I have had an opportunity to meet many students both with and without needs that have touched my heart and defined me as a person in many ways. I have attended many conferences/ workshops, read many journals and other literature, as well as collaborated with some of the top professionals with whom I have had access. When I think about teaching and my beliefs, it really takes me back to the heart of the matter of learning. I have been challenged many times in my career to push students to achieve and to manage in the general education curriculum. I have seen many succeed and I have also witnessed others who were unable to deliver on the expectations.

Teachers of students with disabilities need to focus on individualizing education. Students who have disabilities are uniquely different and when they are given an IEP that is exactly what they should get, an Individualized Education Plan. I have witnessed in the past several years the IEP becoming more of a loophole than a tool for educators. I have seen it used very little to drive instruction and educational goals of students with disabilities and school districts. I believe that the focus for the special education staff in every district should be that they go back to really looking hard at students as individuals. Not only in the sense of what tools these children are going to need to succeed but also how they impact the school atmosphere and the community in general. This will be no easy task. There is no way one teacher can accomplish this alone. Together with the state, AEAs, administration, teacher colleagues, community members, and parents, we need to plan for students as individuals. It is time for us to do what we know how to do. I believe that some social competence training needs to be embraced at all levels of teaching, for kids are constantly defining themselves as individuals and are constantly faced with changing social situations that they need support with.

I believe all students can learn at high levels and that it is my responsibility to provide a curriculum tailored to students interests and academic needs. I will team with staff members to provide frequent assessments, meaningful curriculum based on standards, and a school climate conducive to learning. I believe my start in special education will benefit all students because I understand the importance of curriculum that meets individual student needs. My experiences team teaching with other teachers has made me comfortable working closely with staff to plan instruction as well as problemsolve. As the instructional leader in a building, I look forward to the opportunity to

partner with all staff members (certified and non-certified) to provide a wide variety of appropriate learning opportunities to all students.

My Ideal First Administration Position:

My ideal first administration position would be a Director of Special Education. Special Education is really where my heart is. If I was selected as a principal for a school, I could provide greater support for the special education population. I am also well aware that every student, not just a student with an IEP, benefits from differentiation by a teacher. So I feel I could also be an instructional leader for the general education population as well as an advocate for every student in a school. I will focus on three things. First, I will care. I will care about all students, their families, staff, and the community that I work in. I will set high expectations for all individuals. This will be important for staff, students, community, and other stakeholders. I will commit to monitoring the data. I will keep questioning, Where are we at? I will use data to implement researched based strategies and interventions to those who need it and support teachers in their efforts to provide interventions to those students in need.

Someday, I would like to guide professional individuals so that students with special needs would be seen as an asset to all schools if not a necessity. They bring more to the school atmosphere than most people realize. If implemented properly, every staff/student can appreciate and enjoy what students with special needs bring to the table every single day. To me, it isnt just humbling but inspiring. I strive to be a better person because of my students and the other entitled students/individuals I have had the

opportunity of knowing in my lifetime. They have shaped me as an individual. I know that my life is better because of my experiences with the special education population. They have taught me qualities that may not have been a part of my daily life without my experiences such as: compassion, patience, understanding, forgiveness, and perseverance. I believe that all of these qualities will guide me in my journey to become an exceptional administrator.