Hello!

     I would like you to know a little bit about my background and some information about the Special Education program.  I have been teaching at Bridgman Public School since 1974.  I had the privilege of being the first Special Education teacher hired at Bridgman. 

     I have a Bachelors degree in teaching Emotionally Impaired students from Central Michigan University and a Masters degree in teaching Learning Impaired students from Western Michigan University, in addition my degree states that I am qualified to teach any subject area in Kindergarten through 8th grade.  I have taught here at Reed Middle School for my entire career and I may have even been a teacher here while some of you were students (my name used to be Mrs. Smith)

     I believe that every child is ready to learn when they come to us.  Very often what they are ready to learn and what we are required to teach do not match up.  Sometimes the material that is in front of students to learn is appropriate, and they are ready for it, however the pace that a class takes is too fast for the student.  Sometimes special health concerns or attention deficits cause students to have difficulty in the regular education setting.  I see special education as bridging the gap that happens when unique learners are learning in a large group setting.

     Students in special education programs are assessed to identify their strengths in learning and to find those areas where they learn differently.  It is the special education teacher's job to help them find strategies to cope with their unique learning patterns which may not fit into the classroom setting. 

     The students and I work on areas that have been identified by the Individual Educational Planning Team (IEPT), that includes Parents, Regular Education Teachers, Administrators, a School Psychologist, and other people who help us to diagnose and clarify the child's learning style.  The group then writes goals, on a yearly basis, for the child.  Each year the goals are assessed and updated so that the child moves forward.

     My experience with Special Education has been rewarding and satisfying.  I find that the students I teach work harder than most of us ever have to.  They come with smiles, and sometimes frustrations, but they come to learn.  I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them.

Kathy Sanden