Teachers In Action-Zachary Anderson, Cindy Blackburn, and Eileen Huppert

Cindy Blackburn, Zachary Anderson, and Eileen Huppert

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Creating a Yearbook

Early PerceptionsAs a group, we were very anxious. We did not

know what to expect. Only one of us had a substantial amount of experience working with disabled students. We were unsure of the expectations that the teachers or students would hold for us. Also, being elementary education majors, we rarely work with high school students.

Introduction to the Setting

We visited University High School located in Orange County. We volunteered in Mrs. Trinh’s class. Mrs. Trinh teaches students in higher grades with varying levels and types of disabilities.

Site/Community Demographics

Personal DemographicsCindy Blackburn- I am a Caucasian

female. I am 18 years old, and I am currently in my Junior year at the University of Central Florida majoring in Elementary Education.

Zachary Anderson- I am a Caucasian male. I am 21 years old and entering my Senior year at the University of Central Florida majoring in Elementary Education.

Eileen Huppert- Eileen Huppert- I am a Caucasian female. I am 20 years old and getting ready to start my Senior year at the University of Central Florida. I am majoring in Elementary Education.

Engagement ActivitiesWe were involved in many tasks with

the students. We took part in an introduction activity where each student answered questions about themselves. We also decorated cupcakes as a group, went to a farm, participated in a field day, and observed and played. We also voted on a theme for the yearbook.

Participant DemographicsThe students’ ages range from 15 to 21Most students have no known specific

disability, they just have a low IQ. Student ethnicity was a fairly even balance

between Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic students

There was one student with Downs Syndrome and one with Cerebral Palsy.

We helped 19 students

Reflection of your ExperienceThis experience has given us a passion for

exceptional education. We all agreed that with time and effort, the joys experienced in an exceptional class are endless.

The ability to talk with students one on one had a large impact. We each realized how open these students are. They truly care about people.

This experience has allowed us to see the joys in interacting with students with disabilities. The students are so personable and excited to interact every time.

We will each take away a unique experience that reminds us to include

all students into our classroom.Our academic beliefs were greatly

changed. We realized that planning lessons for exceptional students is

often very in depth. We also learned effective inclusion techniques.

Reflection of Your Experience (cont.)