Speds (Special Education Students)

About the Book

This book is comprised of many of my teaching experiences with the SPEDs like me. The experiences I had as a Special Education teacher are from four different states and regions in the country. All having different ideas as to how a student with disabilities, should be taught and how they learn. You’d be surprised at the way some states treat and handle Speds.  Nevertheless, I want to show you the love these children need at any age as well as the structure and discipline required for them to overcome this disability and succeed. I hope that Special Education teachers read this book for insight and training on what it really is to work with the Speds at any age. These are issues usually not taught in college classrooms. 
Many people may think I was harsh in some of my cases, but as I said, each student learns differently and all children need structure and discipline to learn what is necessary in making it and becoming an active successful member of society. With many of my “Lessons Learned” throughout the book I found the students always came through. At the end on their own or together they all shined like stars in the night. It was not about me but about them.

About the Author

I am a SPED, raised in the south Bronx. A Sped is a Special Education individual. Although I never received services because Individual with Disabilities Education Act,(IDEA) did not exist I was able to graduate. In those days, we were just called stupid and encouraged to drop out of school.  Well I didn’t drop out. When I graduated from High School I had a 3.6 reading level and I was proud of it.  I went through a lot of changes. I was unable to read so I couldn’t find a job. It wasn’t easy. I was homeless for a while. However, my priority was my children and therefore, I knew I had to do something for them. It was not easy as I was and still am slow at comprehending many things. My disabilities are acute dyslexic, hard of hearing from one ear and only have approximately 30% of my short term memory.
I decided to attend college.  With my persistence and my children as my motivators; I received a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s degree in Special Education, a second Master’s degree in Human Services administration and my pride of job a PhD in Special Education. I have been in the field of Special Education for more than 38 years.  I have taught students from the age of 3 with Autism to college level courses and have been an administrator for the past 15 + years. 
I believe people have the wrong impression of the Speds. Either they pity us too much like many parents and that only leads to intense problems and making the child more dependent on the parents or the child is just considered a trouble maker because he/she can’t sit still or read. Out of their frustration they act out.  I wanted to talk about the true Sped and the caring and loving individuals they can be.