Needing time to learn, understanding concepts and refining techniques are all done on separate timelines. Best to approach each with curiosity and patience, with a large dose of belief in the other person.
Ticking clocks of expectation become toxic. Learning to believe is the homework for all educators. Belief in another’s humanity, respecting different learning styles and compassion for all makes a great teacher and student.
Having a wonderful teacher is life changing.
Emma's Hope Book 
This is wonderful Emma! My favorite line is “Belief in another’s humanity, respecting different learning styles and compassion for all makes a great teacher and student.” What a better world we would have if we all followed this principle.
You go and soar Emma, great insight. I hope lot of people start hearing what you have to say. <3.
I believe this is a post EVERY teacher should read. All students learn differently, and each person’s technique should be nutured. Varying forms of learning and processing information help each person become an individual with their own life experiences and beliefs- which is so imperative to a diverse world. Uniqueness in learning should be championed and harnessed because, as you are living proof of this, great things come from divergent methods.
I will be passing this post on to ALL of my teacher friends, as I truly believe they all should read it. Keep it up Emma- your words help illuminate the darkness shrouding many subjects (and perspectives). You have a gift and I’m so glad you are using it!
Emma, I adore your mom and I’ve always loved her writing, but (and I know that I can say this without hurting her feelings), since you’ve begun writing here, I am just blown away time after time after time. Your words hold so much power and I am so incredibly grateful for the time and effort that you dedicate to sharing them. Thank you.
You are right no hurt feelings here, just one proud Mama.
i want to be THAT teacher. thank you for your insights. i am trying.
I just love the insight you offer
I am a behaviour interventionist and approach each child openly and patiently and hope for a beautiful journey that is full of success
Awesomeness!!!!!!!! 🙂
Beautiful words keep pouring forth from those long, lovely fingers of yours, Emma. ❤
Beautifully delivered. Thank you, Emma!
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I’m a former teacher Emma, and I too feel every teacher should read this!
Thank you!
Teachers that really connect make all the difference. I have three kids on the spectrum and they’ve each experienced this.
Willy was lucky in that he got a para who really connected with him in Early Childhood (before Kindergarten) who followed him throughout his grade school experience. When he left for middle school, he was ready.
Alex didn’t get someone who connected that well (from the school district) until middle school…and now he’s ready to transition to high school, having had someone who really believes in him laying out all his abilities for them.
My youngest is also moving on after having someone who really connected with them. He only got her for two years, but it still made it so he is really ready to move up to middle school.
I don’t know if it has to be someone specific or if it’s just a matter of being willing to connect. All I know is that those special people are remembered for life.
Emma, would it be all right for me to quote you in an upcoming meeting I am having with my autistic son’s former school? He had a terrible and horrible 5th grade experience and while he is now thriving in an entirely different educational situation (with an understanding teacher and a much more healthy, sane and quieter place), the administrators are trying to prove that public school and the special education system is the only place he can “learn” and get what he “needs.”
I would attribute all of your words to you without changing any of them. If you would prefer not to give me permission, I completely understand and it’s all right. I appreciate you expressing what is so difficult for him and I to put into words.
Emma said it would be okay with her. Thank you for asking.
Hi Emma, you are awesome and I miss you. Love, Ib (and also Lisa) 🙂
Hi Emma. I am autistic just like you. I enjoy your writing a ton.
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