Oh The Irony

Let me begin by saying this: I am extremely thankful to have a job. Most days are good days here. I love the majority of students I come in contact with. I have met some really great co-workers who have helped me get my feet wet in this profession and some I will keep in contact with for years to come.

I got my degree from the University of Alabama in Special Education (k-12). I got a job in the secondary level because I wanted to coach volleyball, which I do. I should not have, however, put that desire in front of my passion for students who receive Special Ed services. Because, yes, I got my 'dream' job. But am I doing what I studied 4 years of and what I know I am good at? Absolutely not. Am I putting to use any of the strategies, accommodations, lessons or interventions I learned, practiced and studied while I was at school. Not even close.

In High School, I got tutored once a week, every week, for 4 years. For Math and Math alone.

Go ahead and ask me what my title here is. Dare you.


MATH Resource/Inclusion Teacher.

Now, here comes the irony.... Today marks the 3rd attempt of students here starting a 'petition' for Ms. Peters to be their Math teacher. I spent 3 weeks last semester covering a teacher's position in Math, in which the first 2 petitions started. That, I could justify. It was for the 2 Special Ed Math classes and because of my DEGREE, I think I was able to give them a good dose of what it's like to actually learn a subject that is hard. But today, a petition was started for the Algebra II with Trig class.

**** I have NEVER taken Trig before in my life****

Now, these petitions are harmless manners and simply involve students passing around a sheet of paper to get signatures. There has never been any follow up with any administrators or actual fight for cause. And I am 100% fine with that, prefer that actually.

But something about this Math Challenged High Schooler is able to help other Math Challenged High Schoolers and to me that shows that weaknesses can be made strengths when needed. And to me, that is enough irony to last a lifetime.