Jan waited patiently as her department head worked his way through the team meeting agenda. It was the second time she had been scheduled to speak, but she had the sinking feeling they wouldn't get to her this time either.
Jan's students with learning disabilities were struggling in the regular classroom environment - not because of their ability, but because there was a definite feeling of exclusion.
Jan needed to address this issue as an advocate for her students. After all, who else would speak up for them. Jan was willing to do whatever it took to change the way the needs of her students were perceived, but unless the team gave her a chance to talk, she wouldn't be able to make that needed difference.
Finally, it was her turn. Jan stuck to the facts, but not without emotion. Revealing her compassionate heart, Jan demonstrated to the other teachers what it was like to sit in a class where students were ignored, everything sounded garbled, and much of it looked like nonsense.
As she made her final statement and returned to her seat, her team looked at her as if they had seen her for the first time. They were finally able to understand the helplessness her students felt.
Never allow an opportunity to pass where you might be able to be an advocate for your students.
Remember that you speak for your students. And also remember that silence can be seen as agreement.
Prompt: Ways I feel I am being called to speak for my students are . . .
Communication is so important when we work with large numbers of people. As educators we are there to meets the needs of our students. Some times we are the only voice a student has. Some times we have to get upset in order for others to hear us. Next time maybe people could submit items they feel needs addressing at the meetings before the agenda is made up.
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