1) First, tell me a little bit about yourself, how you came to be a teacher for the hard of hearing/deaf.
My journey into the field of deaf education - is a rather typical one - I wish I had an inspirational story to share …but I do not!
As
a young adult, I completed my Bachelor of Education at McGill in
Montreal, Quebec, and was enthusiastic to find a full time job as an
teacher. One of my professors approached me and encouraged me to apply
to the MSc program in the field of Aural Rehabilitation and Education
of the Deaf. I was hesitant at first, as I had my fill of studying and
was looking forward to finally working and making some money!. Upon his
insistence, I applied and incredibility was chosen to study in
program!
2) What's your first (or last) memory of me? (and when did you start teaching me? I have no idea!)
My first memory of you my Monique, is as a wee, darling, 6 month year old baby girl, entering my classroom in the protective arms of your Dad and Mom. At the time, I was teaching the 3 year old classroom and the home guidance program at the Vancouver Oral Centre. Your parents had spent the morning meeting with Hilda Gregory and then on a tour of the classroom programs. I do remember your Mom and Dad as being such warm, loving, gentle parents, overwhelmed yet devoted and anxious to begin a new journey to help you learn to listen and talk. Your family enrolled into the Home Guidance Programme at the VOC and I travelled to your home on a weekly basis. I believe we all worked together for a short time as I left the VOC for a job back in my home city of Montreal.
3)
As you were teaching me, what were some of the things you found
challenging, as a teacher? (and do you think I'm a success story?)
Success
story? Monique you are the epitome of a success story - You are a
gracious, well rounded, joyful, determined, social, chatty, involved
girl with a great sense of humour- you are the very, very best!!! Did I
also mention, beside having excellent spoken and written language skills
you are a good dancer , a traveler, a wonderful daughter, friend,wife
and now a Mom to boot! How does one measure success? Peace and
Happiness, I think, when all is said and done.
We
truly have a long history together, along with your incredible parents,
your Grandma Irene and extended family - it was a family affair indeed!
This strong team working together with Centre and schools to ensure
your progress every step of the way. Even through the challenging times
- your parents and family were solidly there to support you. As a
child with a profound hearing loss the journey was a tough but an
inspiring one - Cochlear implants and digital hearing aids were just
coming onto the scene... Utilizing the most of your limited residual
hearing as a hearing aid user, you and parents worked so hard together
to develop your listening speech,spoken language, and literacy skills
-We all had high expectations and every effort was made to keep moving
you along!
We started together in the home
guidance program, you were my student in the 3 year old classroom
and the following year in the 4 year old classroom. Those years with AC (hint: that's the teacher from Part 2!)
and all you classmates and parents were amazingly unique and so much
fun! Many years later, we worked together again when you were in
integrated into your neighbourhood school - 5th grade at St Michael’s
School . We journeyed together through Archbishop Carney High School -
I was so fortunate to attend your university convocation at SFU...
One
of the biggest challenges that you faced was in grade 12, when you
decided to get a Cochlear implant. An enormous task of relearning to
listen with a CI. The first few months were very trying as your brain
learned to tolerate and make sense of the new electronically coded
auditory signal at the same time keeping up with the science courses at
the grade 12 level ! Although it was a challenging time- your
motivation, determination, hard working ethic, optimistic personality
and strong supportive family and school network - made you the perfect
candidate.
4) Would you say that my parents relationship with you contributed to my success?
From
day one, your parents were fully committed to dedicating their efforts
to building your listening and communication skills They jumped in
with both feet - doing everything and more, to reinforce class lessons
and involve you in many enriched listening, language and social
activities at home and in the community. I also remember that your
parents never lost sight of the importance
of raising a well rounded, social and well behaved girl. You were a
kind, thoughtful, considerate little girl - a good friend to all your
classmates. A princess, but a well mannered, delightful one!
I remember you as a focused, attentive, cooperative and enthusiastic
class participant. Your parents believed in you and the Centre and the
celebrated every step along the way. Positive, dedicated attitude!
Their incredible love for you and their Faith kept them going!!!
Your
parent were always so gracious, generous and thoughtful
-so appreciative of everyone who worked with you Monique. They devoted
much of their time to the Centre, attending all meetings
and,social functions ,volunteering their time to support the Centre and
build friendships with other parents. They were amazing parents to work
with and you are so very fortunate to have them as your parents!
5) Do you have any words of wisdom for parents who have a child with a hearing loss?
Today,
with the advent of newborn screening, new generation of Cochlear
implants, and sophisticated digital hearing aids, access to sound has
never been so readily available. Learning to listen and acquire
spoken language remains a journey but children are able to hear now more
than ever!
Breathe! Take time for yourself ! Appreciate and enjoy your precious baby and child - Play and have fun with your child.
Educate yourself and speak to all organizations/professionals
/parents/teenagers/young adult with hearing loss about your vision, your
hopes and dreams for child. Whatever pathway you choose - surround
yourself with a strong supportive network. Involve yourself in your
organization, - they are your friends who will help you through the
journey -
Believe
in your child and yourself, and your vision Listening and
spoken language is a process that takes time - Celebrate all baby steps
along the journey -
Don’t limit your child because of their hearing loss .
Involve your child in many social and community activities -
participating in clubs and sports will engage your child socially and
help them to learn social skills, become a self advocate and maneuver in
our noisy world.
Be a strong but positive
advocate for your child- Ask many questions - You will need to hear the
information over and over again -eventually it will make sense. Work as
partners.
Access to sound will move your
child’s listening and speech and spoken language development along -
wearing hearing aids and CI denier all waking hours is the key surround
your child with fun engaging activities-
Be yourself - keep singing and playing and talking - it is all happening for your child… it just takes time ...
6) What were some of the teaching tricks you used with your students, to help them learn language?
Teaching trick ..hmm.. I do remember that working with the little ones took much thought and preparation. I did plan my lessons with the thought: How can I engage these little ones to be excited and motivated to learn and talk How can I entice them to talk - how can I peek their curiosity? what songs, what dances, what stories will make learning to talk a good time at the same time reinforce the concepts and skills of my curriculum . How can I build the week so that language, speech and listening activities will be strengthen and reinforced in different ways. Key : parents as partner in the process - Working together as a TEAM
7) Before I was mainstreamed into the regular school system, how did you assess that I would be 'ready' for it?
I wasn’t around during those years Monique but you and your family demonstrated great readiness for mainstreaming early in your journey.
Every
child is different and possesses many gifts and challenges ,A strong
consistent supportive network; parents, school team, availability of
itinerant services, a positive attitude, a desire to learn, an ability
to attend and acquire classroom concepts and skills are important.
Independence in equipment use, speech and spoken language skills on par
with typical hearing peers? Not always the case but supportive strong
school team will assist with the ongoing development of a child’s
skills. Every school and classrooms are different and parents must be
prepared to advocate for their child and be open to work with school and
supportive team
Thank you so much to "the special teacher" for contributing!
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