It was my honor and privilege to shadow Wendy Haas at North Ft. Myers High. Today was simply amazing and no matter what this legislature has heaped upon public school employees the people that dedicate their lives to public school students have a greater resolve than ever to do what’s right for their students and be union strong.
Wendy’s class is entitled social emerging… they run the spectrum… six young men ranging from 14 to 19…two using speech devices, one medically fragile, several awesome readers…and every student in the classroom learning, learning, learning. They know routines, manners, hygiene, reading with comprehension and much more. Today we learned about meteorologists and Ulysses S. Grant!
One student when he came at the beginning of the year made no audible, understandable words… he now uses a speech device and makes some audible, understandable words…at 15… where was he before…a private school that couldn’t meet his needs… so when we talk about choice…we are that choice…teachers that make a difference like Wendy…not for the money… not for the glory… but because they love teaching and their students. I lost track today how many times she said ‘I love you’ and meant it, you’re awesome, you rock, good job honey bunny, right jelly bean and the love she and her paras gave back. Mrs. G and Mrs. Elsie are awesome paras in her classroom…they work as a team for the good of their students.
Public school proud. Thank you Wendy…I had a rough legislative session but you have made me brush myself off…to fight another day for the voiceless 2.8 million students we serve.
Hats off to Wendy…you rock jelly bean! Thankful for the opportunity to be your shadow today…I felt small in your greatness.
