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Less Physics Mo Problems

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Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs.  In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year.  Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home.  I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms that are
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Less Physics Mo Problems

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Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs.


 In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year. 
Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home.  I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms that are thrown around lightly at a hospital. I was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of new-onset refractory status epilepticus. Essentially my body was attacking my brain and they were unable to identify why. 


When I left the hospital, I went through a series of ongoing therapy in three different areas: physical, occupational, and speech. I hate to have to say it, but this is the whole reason for writing this post. I had to learn to use my tongue to form words, basically learn to speak again. I needed to learn to use my fingers again to write not sentences or even words but simply the letters of the alphabet. I needed to learn to train my muscles and body to not simply stand with the help of a walker but to place one foot in front of the other to move. 


Well, I was discharged from the hospital and ready to live. I was fortunate that my district allowed me to be on medical leave for the upcoming school year. Sadly, I had two more hospital visits, including a second tracheotomy. 


This is a 1,000 ft. view of my situation. After a year back in my district helping peers with technology needs, I was able to return to teach 1 class a day. I just finished my first 9 weeks teaching physics again! My district has told me that next school year I will have a full class load. I couldn’t be more happy to hear that professionally. Teaching is my professional passion. I must be humble enough to use the tools I have to help me succeed this year and beyond.


Again, why am I sharing this information with you? Simply put, I don’t want you to give up on any student. Thinking about the growth I was able to accomplish in a matter of months, I realized that USING TOOLS has only strengthened my perspective on what our learners can accomplish with clear goals and tools that meet their specific needs. Every learner comes to us with their own strengths and challenges. Are you willing to take the time to identify and let the students recognize them and, as a teacher, recognize that every learner in your class is different? 


So, how will you change your practice to see and accommodate the needs of EVERY learner in your classroom to meet the goals of your course? I have had a hell of a challenge and am still on that road to recovery.


That is my challenge to you.

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