As a former educator, I wrote this personal essay on my experience in the classroom 

 

Confessions of a Hearing Impaired Teacher

“Let’s talk about disabilities”. On the first day of each school year, I would lead a discussion on this topic.  By 5^th grade, the kids all knew this word. Several had all ready been diagnosed with one….reading disability, ADD, physical issues, etc.  This led to a lively, thoughtful conversation about hidden disabilities verses obvious ones, and ones that have an extreme impact verses ones that rarely cause a problem.  It didn’t take long to realize that we all have something which offers some kind of challenge.  Most of the children were happy to volunteer information about their own disability or that of a family member. “Now it’s my turn, “I said.

I began to explain that young children often have soft voices.  In math terms, soft voices + the inability to project = a struggle for Mrs. G .When I showed them my hearing aids, they were agape. This was still when kids thought their teachers were perfect in every way. I continued to explain that, occasionally, I might need them to repeat a question or answer, or that I might miss or mix-up a word. Most of the children listened intently and seriously, but there were always a few snickers from the group.  I knew that these would be the kids who would repeat by shouting or speaking as if in slow motion.  It rarely happened, but when it did, it was embarrassing and hurtful.  I guess their need for attention, even negative attention, superceded the need to be respectful of one’s feelings.

Whereas most teachers make accommodations for their students, I had to make them for myself. I made sure never to shortchange my students of an excellent education, so I did whatever was necessary.  I started with the room arrangement by grouping the desks in such a way that I had eye contact with most, if not all, the students.  Several times during the day, I would call them up to the front of the room, where they sat on the floor in a semicircle.  It made it easier for me, and it gave them a chance to stretch.  Remember what it was like as a kid to sit in your chair for hours at a time!

I spent most of my teaching time standing and moving around.  I was more than happy to go up to a child’s desk than have him communicate from across the room. This worked better for all of us.

I loved my job.  Teaching was a natural for me, and it allowed me to utilize my creativity and teaching skills.  I was the teacher that couldn’t wait for summer vacation to be over, so that I could do the thing I enjoyed most.  However, many school days were challenging…they required me to listen intensely. It was only after the children left for the day, that I realized how drained I was.  The silence was delightful.

In 2002, I made a cross country move to CA.  My intention was to get my CA license, and teach as a substitute a few days a week.  For me, it meant going from being “the captain of the ship” to the guy who swabs the deck.  I was basically left” busy work” for the kids to do in their teachers’ absence.  This definitely didn’t work for me.  Then I decided to volunteer at the local library in their ESOL program.  I helped teach English and life skills to non-English speaking adults, all of whom were always so appreciative and respectful.  I did this for six years until my hearing worsened.

I now know my limitations.  The only person I now teach, is my 11 year old grandson. He knows the drill: to speak loudly, clearly and face me. He’s happy to tell everyone that he has his own personal tutor…his grandma.  For now, that’s just the way I like it!