6 replies to this topic

[Squelen]

I'm looking to return back to work, but my research through my union has so far not really come up with many results – I was wondering if there are any high injury level teachers out there who could give me the benefit of their experience or advice in returning back to school?

I actually work in a special needs school for children with learning difficulties, and they are becoming more complex, with some having more physical disabilities. Whilst unable to control pretty much most of my body, and I cannot use my hands at all, there really is no reason why I could not do the "mental" side of teaching – and I certainly should be able to access any technology to plan lessons etc. I just don't know if it is possible for me to do this job without having a body myself to use. For instance, there's no way be able to write on a whiteboard or do diagrams/pictures though I know there are ways around that.

Really, I am just hoping to hear back from other teachers with SCI's to hear how they coped/managed and if they have any tips for me!
Cheers, Squelen X

[mcwriter]

I do not have any of the experiences you are looking for, however, technologies aside, don't a lot of classrooms have an assistants for teachers anyway? I would think that when working with students with special needs an assistant would be part of the scenario.

I would like to applaud you for wanting to do this. For one who has a heart to teach there will be a way.

I see no insurmountable reason that you could not do this job. I'm sure someone on here will point you in the right direction for types of technology that you can use. I imagine that what you will come up against is convincing a potential employer, in which case you would want to be ready to answer questions on how you would conduct a classroom and the requirements for the job. They would have to make accommodations by law, and an assistant on their payroll is not far-fetched.

Teachers are needed so badly, I hope you go for it. It is truly an honorable endeavor.

[Parachute]

Hi Squelen

I am back into teaching. I am from Leeds. If you google, Paralysed man's amazing recovery, you will find, an article which mentions me back at work. Also, if you google search "Are Disabled Teachers getting a Raw Deal?" You will find an article about another Leeds Teacher that was in hospital at the same time as me. He was back to work very soon after leaving hospital. It was shown on TV on the local news, while I was still in hospital. I have not seen him for some time though. I may ask for him to speak where I work.

As for me, I more or less do the same duties as before my injury. I am also in shape to run Out of School Activities, such as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. I have been so so lucky.

All being well, you will have the same luck as me and the other guy.


Parachute

[Chrisonwheels]

Hi Squelen,
I went back to work part-time a few weeks after leaving rehab. At first everyone was nervous about how I would cope, but I built up to full-time over the first year back and have kept it together with very few sick days since then (8 years now).
I use a tablet pc instead of the whiteboard and a Levo Combi chair provided through Access to Work.
There should be people within your LEA who should support you; just give it a go part-time and ease yourself back in very gently. It will be a big challenge, but you still have the brains and the will to do it.
PM me if you want to chat about it.
Chris.

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[andycm]

I never got as far as qualifying as a teacher, was doing my PGCE when I was injured on the way home from first school placement. Anyway, I've found it easy to get in to adult education as a teaching assistant - facilities are generally more accommodating for the disabled than your average school!

[coffeecups]

Eventually I want to. I do not plan on letting my certificate expire. I wasn't teaching when I was injured. I was a SAHM. But I had planned on going back when the kids were older. Right now I am homeschooling my daughtervwho is in first grade, so I've sort of gone back to teaching. As I've been lesson planning for the fall it does make me miss teaching. But I need to get stronger, not get sick as often among other things. I have thought about trying to get a job at the junior college so I wouldn't have to teach a full schedule.

[Jeanette]

I home school my children through public charter school I went right back to teaching after surgery because I had no other option
I did okay last year but in may this year I went to rehab because of problems complete paralysis it was so hard not to be helping my kids
I was lucky my husband and friends brought them to visit me
The rehab got me to the Sci doctor finally
Anyway
I am continuing the home schooling/ teaching the best I can
I have made changes in the set up and continue to do so until forever
Jeanette