SCHOOL ‘MATTERS’

(A student’s experience navigating the special needs landscape from elementary to university)

Self-Advocacy Part II

            Last time, I examined how to disclose special needs to teachers at both the secondary and post-secondary levels.  Today’s post is going to cover the empathy inherent to any form of self-advocacy.  Again, much like last week, you need to be mindful of others and their responsibilities in order to effectively self-advocate.  Empathy is an important tool for both the special needs and general student populations, and is a cornerstone of academic success.

            I believe it prudent to start with what not to do, namely, believing that your teacher is largely responsible for your success.  Granted, some teachers are simply poor teachers, but my experience has shown such cases to be in a minority.  As both a tutor and former teaching assistant I have been confronted by students that fail to respect my time while simultaneously viewing me as the sole arbiter of their success.  I experienced instances where a particular student disclosed their special needs in a highly curt and impersonal way that served to act against their best interests.  Far too often did I encounter a late night email that both outlined a special need or learning disability and asked for my input on a rough draft.  Such actions end up working against you as it leaves a negative impression with the teaching assistant or teacher regarding your work ethic and, although not always, ends up engendering a lower grade.  Remember that the people in charge of teaching and marking have lives with concerns wholly separate from school and you as a student need to respect that in order to forge a healthy relationship.

            Next time we will discuss organizational skills and the role they play in self-advocacy, but empathy for your teacher facilitates all the other steps.  If you are unsure about a particular assignment then take the time needed to prepare a rough draft or arrange a meeting with your teacher well before the due date.  Demonstrate the fact that you use your time wisely and respect the time of others even if their job is to teach you.  Not only will this generally result in a better final product and assist the student/teacher relationship, but it also helps reduce the near constant anxiety of school.  Realizing that you shoulder the burden of responsibility for your academic success is an incredibly important lesson to learn as you mature as a student, and I speak from a place where I have experienced the importance of empathy from both ends of the relationship.  Just because someone makes a living teaching does not mean they have to wait on your beckon call, and it certainly does not mean that their lives are devoid of the same distractions you endure.

            Hoping everyone had an enjoyable Easter.