Taylor Blair

Disposition Reflection
September 28, 2014
My time at Hall Kent was an extremely valuable experience. I worked in a Pre-K
classroom with 14 students. Half of these students have been identified to have special needs and
the other half of the students were general education students. There was one teacher and three
assisting aids in the classroom. During my time there, I learned the importance of supporting and
working with cooperating teachers. I have found that the collaboration among cooperating
teachers has played a major role in creating a conducive learning environment for the students.
This classroom has a wonderful group of teachers who work together to discuss and plan what is
best for each of the students. The way these teachers communicate, love and encourage one
another directly impacts the students in a positive way. I have been inspired to make my
relationships with cooperating teacher a priority. Not only have I experienced so much joy with
these teachers but also I have seen their support for one another directly impact the students in
the classroom. Working with students who have special needs, requires patience and
professionalism. Specifically for the students who have autism, there are many instances in
which these students have tantrums or outbursts that require the teacher to restrain the student.
Observing teachers who do not take a childs outburst personally have taught me the importance
of remaining calm, patient and professional to benefit the child. Students also benefit when the
teacher is kind, but also stern. Wes Moore has said that lowering the standards for a child due to
certain circumstances will only be detrimental to the childs future. Students of all backgrounds
should be held to high academic standards and given an equal chance to be challenged and
supported in their efforts. During this placement I was so tempted to lower my standards for

these students, but learned that is only making their situation worse. It is crucial to push these
students and expect much of them. When these students realize you are not going to do
everything for them that is when they truly take initiative and become independent.