How Clarity Membership Can Help You Achieve Work-Life Balance with Joan Brobe
Jul 28, 2022
In the world of special education, the combination of thoughtful preparation and effective use of technology can make a world of difference. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with two passionate educators, Kassy and Joan, both of whom shared their valuable insights on how they approach teaching, manage students' progress, and overcome challenges. They shed light on how technology can streamline administrative tasks, as well as how careful planning can make transitions smoother for young learners.
Embracing Technology for Streamlined Documentation
Kassy, a teacher who specializes in impacting independence for students with visual impairments, opened up about how she uses technology to make her work more efficient. One of the key tools she uses is Google Forms, which automatically generates a spreadsheet with her responses. For Kassy, this tool has revolutionized how she documents student progress.
"Google Forms makes everything easier," Kassy shared. "For my progress reports, I simply copy and paste from my response sheet. I don’t need to guess or worry about missing details. It’s all there, and I can present it at a moment’s notice."
This approach eliminates a lot of the subjectivity that can arise when teachers have to verbally report progress. For example, instead of guessing the accuracy of a student’s performance on a task, Kassy’s data-driven method removes ambiguity, ensuring that the report is clear and precise.
She also pointed out that by using forms, teachers can streamline their data collection and make it easier to access when needed. Whether it’s for a meeting or a report, having progress readily available takes the guesswork out of education, especially in a field where outcomes can sometimes be subjective.
Technology in Communication: Google Chat for Seamless Interaction
Joan, a teacher working with students with visual impairments, spoke about how her school district’s use of Google Chat has transformed communication. Teachers, administrators, and assistants can instantly share information about students, making coordination much smoother. For example, when students arrive at school, teachers can quickly check in with administrative staff to confirm attendance.
"I’m always surprised by how effortlessly the teachers are able to teach, communicate with the admin assistant, and manage everything without skipping a beat," Joan remarked. "It’s amazing how technology allows for that level of efficiency."
Google Chat’s integration into the daily flow of the classroom means that teachers don’t have to waste time tracking down missing information. Whether it’s a quick check on student arrival, a question about a class assignment, or a follow-up on a specific student’s needs, everything can be handled in real-time.
Overcoming the Social Skills Dilemma
While technology can greatly improve efficiency, Joan’s biggest challenge has been ensuring her students have the social skills they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. As a teacher working with students who have visual impairments, she must also focus on ensuring that her students are ready to navigate the world around them with confidence.
"The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome, and I’m still working on it, is making sure that my students have all the social skills they need. Sometimes I worry that I missed something important, but I’m constantly striving to improve and find different ways to help them," Joan explained.
This struggle to balance academic instruction with the teaching of social skills is not unique to Joan. Many special educators face the challenge of helping students develop the necessary skills to interact with others, especially when those skills don’t always come naturally or may not be prioritized in the curriculum.
Kassy echoed Joan’s sentiments, especially in the context of teaching students with visual impairments. "We have to make sure we're not just teaching them within the classroom but also outside of it," Kassy shared. "It's about ensuring they're equipped to thrive in all settings, from their neighborhood to the grocery store, and even with their family at home."
For both Kassy and Joan, ensuring that students have the skills to navigate the world independently is just as important as academic achievement.
The Power of Preparation: A Key to Success
As the conversation came to a close, Joan shared one final piece of advice for fellow educators: the importance of preparation. Whether you’re teaching social skills, academic concepts, or handling administrative tasks, being prepared can help teachers stay organized and minimize stress.
"Prepare in advance," Joan advised. "Even if it takes time, when you’re in the middle of a hectic day, having something prepared in your pocket—whether it’s a lesson plan or a set of activities—makes everything smoother. You can just pull it out and go."
Joan's advice resonates particularly well for educators working in fast-paced environments, where time is often limited. By taking a little extra time to prepare, teachers can ensure they are ready to respond to students’ needs quickly and efficiently, especially when unexpected situations arise.
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