Connecting the Classroom and the Athletic Field

My teaching position in special education can sometimes make me feel isolated from the general study body, because I work with the same small groups of students each day. Being a coach connects me to the student body and, in some ways, demystifies what goes on in my room. It also offers me a unique opportunity to get some of my students involved in extra-curricular activities with the support they might need. Some students need behavior support others learning support.

I get special education students who are good athletes, but their disabilities often hinder the success they could have. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is to have a kid, who hasn't always experienced success in school, find success on the athletic field. Athletics can then serve to extend this student's motivation to improving academics and maintaining appropriate behavior in the classroom. Athletics can be another tool for inclusion of special education students with general education students.

I'm constantly seeking to maintain the connection between my teaching and coaching positions. It is important to see your athletes interact with other students and get a more complete picture of who they are as people. Likewise I think it can be useful for others to see how kids are in the athletic arena. For coaches who are not teachers I would encourage you to get involved in some way with the school.