Tribute to Dignal

As a new graduate I have grappled over the issue of working. I spent six years in college and over 100,000 dollars to get a piece of paper, a degree. Now all my life has succumbed to the working world, which is not so glamorous. Because of the inconvenient graduation date, I have been put in a position where there was no other choice but to become a substitute teacher. Between the belligerent children and ungrateful teachers, I concocted a dreadful attitude. "They" don't pay me enough to deal with these ungrateful, selfish, unruly, brats.” This last week I had the opportunity have lots of half-day experiences in many classrooms and only one in particular stands out at this time. Yes it was a third grade classroom with team teachers. I walked into the enormous combined two classrooms and was stunned on seeing over forty seats. How would I ever be able to deal with that many children?

The other team teacher greeted me and explained that she would be teaching. Sighing a sigh of relieve I took another look around the classroom. The harsh florescent lights were off and soft lamps were glowing around the room. Fabric and carpets focused the room into the center circle, creating a family room experience. Soft music graced my ears as a thought dawned on me. This is what the room would look like if Dignal and I team-taught. The only addition left to make would be vanilla coffee perking in the background, creating an enriching and invigorating learning experience.

The bell rang and awoke me from my trance. Children flowed in and floated quietly to their seats and to the carpet. Only a whisper was heard and I knew it would be an excellent day. After seeing two-teachers work amazingly with these forty souls gave me reassurance that I could still have faith in the education system. The day progressed without a flaw and progressed to a yoga and Zen like state after doing breathing activities lead by the teacher.

As I blended in amongst the students whispering uplifting remarks and gently redirecting only a few students, I found myself glancing up to see a spirit…yes it could have been Dignal. My mind flashed back to our beginning special ed days, where she taught a class. We sat on a blanket, shared in the soft light, and listened to her quiet, kind, guiding voice. How I missed my comrade. Since she left the triumphant university, life has been grim. No one to share special ed stories with. No one to discuss the latest in-service day. No one to understand the life of a special educator. As I finished up the glorious substitute experience, my hand found my journal: I will forever remember Dignal and the joy she brought to not only my life, but the lives of so many others. The creativity, energy, and openness will always remain in my soul.