Special education teachers explain day in life of CDC classroom
Comprehensive Development Classroom (CDC) teachers share excitement about their students and classrooms. Their students are learning and growing every day while experiencing new things. Elizabeth Buis and Lacey Price-Evans, teachers, share aspirations and excitement for their students.
To begin, CDC teachers have long days. Buis, one of the special education teachers, talks about her experience. Buis starts her day by making sure the students eat breakfast. Price, another CDC teacher, said that before she starts her day, she likes to “enjoy a few quiet minutes before starting bus duty at 7:15 A.M.”
Buis’s students love to play with the magnet files and play flip seven, a math game. On the other hand, Price’s students love to do Work Based Learning, field trips, dances, and lunch.
Next, Buis’ favorite part of her day is working individually with the students.
Whereas Price's favorite part of the day is seeing students have an “aha moment” or compete something challenging independently. Buis said that “she is looking forward to seeing how much the kids learn and grow academically and socially this year.” Price is most looking forward to exposing students to things they have never done before whether that involves work skills, life skills, or a new experience at school or on a field trip.
Furthermore, Buis loves to teach science, and Price’s favorite subject or topic to teach is work skills, job skills,and adaptive skills. Because these are skills that many of her students have not had the opportunity to experience before. Price states “There is something so rewarding about watching them learn a new skill, gain confidence, and realize that they can do things independently. Helping my students become as independent as possible is one of the most meaningful parts of my job.”
Buis comments about her past experience with Work Based Learning.
She explains “ in the past we have modeled and practiced skills before going to the job sites. Whatever skills are needed at the job site we practice a month before to prepare the students when they are off campus.” Price said,"Work-Based Learning is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn job skills while working alongside supportive adults and employees. It gives them real-world experience and helps prepare them for employment after they leave West High. It is also a wonderful partnership where our students gain valuable skills while local businesses benefit from the help our students provide”.
In addition, West High CDC students participate in Special Olympics every year. Buis remarks, “The CDC allows the student to show their physical skills with others. They are able to participate with other students that have disabilities, and this is very positive for their social communication with the community.” Price adds, “ Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that provides sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is a movement built on inclusion, where everyone is welcomed and accepted, helping make the world a better and more joyful place through the power of sport.
West High is thankful for its CDC program and the special teachers that make it happen each day. Magic is performed each day transforming these young minds into adults who can learn to function in the real world. Buis and Price prove the success these West students have.
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