2011 Walk for Autism

Hey Everybody!  Well, I thought I'd shift gears for this post and talk about something besides Bentley and me.  (First of all, though, we're doing great!  No changes!)

To give you a little background information, when I decided to be a teacher, I had fully intended to teach in a 3rd grade general education class.  God's plan was different.  I decided to get my minor in Special Education so I would be prepared for all students in my classroom, but the training for that changed my life.  I did half of my student teaching in a 1st grade general education classroom, which I didn't enjoy that much, and I did the other half of my student teaching in a K-1st grade Autism classroom.  For those of you that know me and my story already, you know I fell in love with those kiddos.  I knew then that I wanted to work with students with autism.  It is so amazing to see that light bulb go off and see the progress that is made with students with autism.  It seems that all the major milestones we have for children (saying simple words and phrases, potty training, saying parents names and "I love you") are a big deal when any child does them.  But when a child with autism finally "gets it" and meets those major milestones, along with some seemingly trivial tasks, it is so much more special.  To get to be a part of someone's life (the children and parents) and get to experience that with them is what makes me love working with these kiddos. 

I wasn't lucky enough to land "the perfect job" as soon as I was out of school.  I worked in Arab as a high school special education teacher for two years (which I loved), but it wasn't what I really wanted to do.  I got a call from the my mentor teacher in the autism classroom, who was now the Autism Specialist for Huntsville City Schools telling me to apply in Huntsville.  I needed to get my foot in the door somewhere if I wanted to teach in an autism class eventually.  That's exactly what I did.  I worked one year at Whitesburg Middle School with 6th graders in special education.  That was plenty long enough for me to realize that I am not meant to teach 6th grade.  (6th grade teachers deserve medals for what they put up with everyday!)  At the end of that school year, there were a lot of teachers moving around throughout the system, and there were new autism classrooms opening at many schools.  This was my chance.  With lots of prayers and maneuvering of personnel between schools, it turned out that a position was available at Challenger Elementary School doing exactly what I wanted to do...teach students with autism.  The best part about this position...three of my students were also in the autism class I had done my student teaching in, so I already knew them and their parents.  So, that's where I've been for three years. 

Every day I go to school I have to wonder what kind of day it will be.  There are days that are filled with screams and tears with what seems like little progress, and then there are days when things just "click."  Those days are the ones that make it all worth it.  It is very stressful to go into a class each day knowing you have to deal with potty training issues, tantrums, and a major communication barrier with the students I teach, but as I look at all the progress we've made with "my kiddos" I have a hard time remembering all the bad days.  The good days are the ones that stick with me.  Of course, I don't just get to go and play and work with my students, so the paperwork, constantly changing policies, and the never ending meetings that go along with the job are definite downfalls.  Somehow, though, the good days, progress, and many milestones we've met have seemed to overpower the "not so good" stuff.

While working with students with autism, I have met some of the most wonderful people that have come into my life.  The staff I've worked with, as well as many of the parents, have become my wonderful friends.  As a matter of fact, they are the ones that have been taking care of me during all this commotion with Bentley.  I am so grateful to have met these people and have them in my life.  It is so wonderful to be able to interact with everyone outside of a school setting.  All pressure off, all guards down, we have a lot of fun together.  One of the main events that gets us all together for many months of the year is the annual Walk for Autism, so here's my plug for that.

I have worked on the Walk committee for two years prior to this year.  Last spring I was asked to take on the 2011 Walk for Autism as the Chairperson.  Of course, me being me, said "YES!"  Then, guess what, I found out I was pregnant.  Not expected any problems, I continued working on the walk, and we really started planning this past fall.  I got my committee together, had meetings, started fundraising, and then Bentley started acting up.  Needless to say, I cannot take on the whole Walk in the middle of my complications.  So, Jenny, who was supposed to co-chair, has graciously stepped up and taken it on.  I am still fundraising from the couch, and keeping up to date and in touch with everyone, but I can't have as big a hand in the Walk as I wanted to do.  I don't even think I'll be able to go, but we'll see.  Anyways...I wanted everyone to at least know about the 2011 Walk for Autism.  Whether I'm there or not, I want my family and friends there!!

It is a perfect Saturday outing for families.  There are TONS of activities for kids, it's safe, and it's for a wonderful cause.  To sign up, you can contact me, or you can go to the Autism Society of Alabama website.  It's only $25/person and you get a t-shirt.  Also, there's free food at the Walk, so no need to worry about lunch.  Now that you've gotten my background and you know why I'm so passionate about what I do, here's the details.

Location: Milton Frank Stadium
Date: April 2, 2011
Time: 8:30am Registration / Walk begins at 9am
Tickets: $25/person ($30/person the day of the walk)



Small children can walk for FREE with paying adult!