Critical Incident

Description
My supervising teacher has been emphasising that the role of a teacher is much
more than helping students to learn and develop. She has explained that the role
she takes on in the classroom has stretched her and challenged her to go beyond
just her teaching skills. A number of students in the classroom have medical
conditions where they require the supervising teachers care and help. One
condition in particular is a young boy aged 8 who has epilepsy. This young boy has
on average a seizure a day and often they are at school, either in class or whilst
outside playing.
Interpretation
This situation has certainly been eye-opening experience. Firstly I have never
witnessed seizures or came across with someone living with epilepsy before, but
secondly, have been extremely impressed with how my supervising teacher can
manage and control the situation. The ST recognises that living with Epilepsy is a
challenging and somewhat unfair outcome for the young boy, and tries to make
his seizures as normal as possible. The ST encouraged the young boy to share
about Epilepsy at the beginning of the year so that the class could understand his
condition and help when needed. The students in the class are amazing supports
to the young boy when he has a seizure, students can even recognise signals that
are leading to a seizure. This supportive classroom environment is thanks to the
ST who really encourages the students to look out for one another and care for
one another. The young boys first seizure that I witnessed really surprised me. The
students kept on working like nothing had happened as they knew there was no
danger in his seizure and he would be back to work once it was over. Students
helped the young boy by getting him some tissues or offering to take him to get
some water or a drink, but other than that, there was no disruption in the
classroom. According to Michael Farrell (2006) In terms of behavioural, emotional
and social development, pupils may feel frustrated and have low self-esteem
because of the condition. The ST has made a great effort to ensure that the
young boys condition does not affect his learning or self esteem by creating and
safe and supportive environment for him to be in.
Outcome
It has been incredible to witness the control and positivity of a difficult situation. I
have learnt that the teacher has a massive impact on the outcome of difficult
circumstances such as an illness or disability. It has been a reminder that it is the
teachers role to ensure that all students, despite their backgrounds, disabilities
etc. have a fair opportunity to learn and feel safe. As a pre-service teacher, I will
make the effort to care for all students needs and circumstances so that their
learning environment is not tampered or in anyway negative. Also, the nature of a
classroom can be determined by the teachers attitudes and influence. Classroom
conferences and meetings are a helpful tool when discussing classroom
behaviour, values and also difficult circumstances.

Farrell, M. Effective Teacher's Guide to Sensory Impairment and Physical Disability

: Practical Strategies. Florence, KY, USA: Routledge, 2006.