The Substitute Teacher

I recall a substitute teacher that Kevin had in fourth grade that helped me to better understand the importance of the little (but vital) details of establishing a friendship with someone who has severe or profound disabilities. The substitute was a lady, Miss Starla, who we had never met before. However, she made a lasting impression on Kevin. During the course of a couple of hours while in the classroom, Miss Starla dazzled Kevin. She approached him and got down to his eye level when she spoke to him. She looked at him directly in the eyes and she spoke in a normal tone of voice. This was so important because often people tend to speak very loudly to those with disabilities because they tend to think they are unable to hear very well. Well, Miss Starla spoke in a soft and gentle voice when she spoke to Kevin. Miss Starla also did something else very well. She spoke to Kevin directly, and not through me, the adult nurse hovering nearby. She acknowledged my presence, but she spoke the needed information or instructions directly to Kevin. 

     At the end of the day, as Kevin rolled out the classroom door, Miss Starla said good-bye to Kevin and gently patted him on the hand. His response at the end of the day (while riding on the bus) “I like her, Mr. Allen! I like her.” The sad part is that we never came across Miss Starla again. Her demeanor and communication skills, however, were never forgotten. She was a substitute teacher that left a lasting impression on a young boy’s heart.