Krista Smith

Teacher of the Year Eagle High School Mar 2020 In the state of Idaho, I teach in an Extended Resource Classroom where students with moderate to severe disabilities can obtain group or individual direct instruction. I teach in a Level 1 classroom which teaches students with the most severe needs that need a higher level of support, specialized instruction, and behavior management. Each student has their own individualized schedule, academic goals, reinforcement schedule, and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). I develop their daily… Show more In the state of Idaho, I teach in an Extended Resource Classroom where students with moderate to severe disabilities can obtain group or individual direct instruction. I teach in a Level 1 classroom which teaches students with the most severe needs that need a higher level of support, specialized instruction, and behavior management. Each student has their own individualized schedule, academic goals, reinforcement schedule, and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). I develop their daily programs/lessons based on their IEP goals and objectives and parental input. For example, some of my students are working on writing their personal information. Other life skills taught in my classroom are: learning to tie shoes, brush teeth, simple meals preparation, occupational and physical therapy activities, washing dishes, activating switches, laundry, and pre-vocational skills. Although my students progress is often small, those victories are genuinely celebrated!Along with teaching crucial life skills, my staff and I are constantly implementing behavior plans. These behavior plans are a clear outline of how to address the problem behavior and implement a replacement behavior. It is not uncommon for my students to become aggressive (e.g. hit, scratch, bite, punch, or engage in self-injurious behaviors) throughout the day. This requires all Extended Resource staff to receive extra training in district approved restraints and releases.Although they often have more outward challenges than a typically developed student, they still have the capacity to learn and to grow in their environment. I may not “teach” in the traditional sense, but I can testify that my students are learning and are making continual gains in their educational and home environment. Show less