Rich:

Believe me, I understand completely what you are saying here.  This is
partly why I found this proposed topic so interesting.

Since my wife, who is sighted, is a public school teacher herself, I realize
what she faces every day.  At the same time, both she and I take an approach
to issues like this that views the issue a challenge.

I truly do appreciate your comments here, and will keep the list posted on
how things turn out for this panel if folks are interested.

Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: Off Topic: inquiry on blind teachers in the public schools


> Hi Tom;
> I can't resist a smile over your request.  Based on my community,
correcting
> tests writing lesson plans writing tests would present challenges but be
> very possible.  When I did my student teaching 30 years ago the big thing
> was the black board.  Computers may solve many of the "old" problems.
> Unfortunately, in my part of western NY, the real issue would be keeping
> order.  You have to remember that as a professor most "young adults" are
> spending money for the privilege of listening to your words of wisdom.  In
> public school, particularly a inner city school, many kids are there
because
> someone pushed them in the door.  We have had issues at one local school
> where an assistant principal was beaten by a group of students, and
another
> where a teacher was hit over the head with a chair in the cafeteria.
> Apparently there was some long term memory loss.  More than just a bump on
> the head.
> Certainly blind people can teach, but you best have some assertiveness
> training and help that teacher convey the impression that they aren't
> putting up with any crap.
> As it turned out, another job became available and after student teaching
my
> degree someone went to waste.
> Rich