Hi Tom;
Yes I am interested if for no other reason than teaching was once a very
manageable career for a blind person.  Yes you would have needed some
reading assistance with test prep and grading but with that exception very
possible.  Another thought is private schools. They pay nothing but they are
often lots smaller and there are fewer discipline problems.
Rich
----- Original Message -----
From: "T Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 12:11 PM
Subject: Re: Off Topic: inquiry on blind teachers in the public schools


    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