I come from the land called Michigan whose lower peninsula is shaped like a mitten and whose upper peninsula is shaped like a running rabbit. My daughter lives in the “nose” of the rabbit, a dear friend lives in the rabbit’s tail, an in-law lives in the thumb, my bestie lives just north of the…
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About: Mary McLaughlin
Mary has always loved learning, but was a struggling learner who couldn’t read until one day, the right teacher came along with the right methodology, and everything clicked for Mary. Understanding the struggles of children who just “don’t get it,” Mary has spent her career supporting children with learning difficulties and finding ways to excite them about education. Over her career, Mary has taught Second Grade, Third Grade, and served as a Middle School Administrator in Michigan, most often in the urban setting. In 2015, Mary relocated to Arkansas in search of new opportunities and is excited at all that has been placed before her. She currently teaches Special Education in a self-contained setting for children in grades 2-4.
Recent Posts by Mary McLaughlin
Making a Move: Special Needs Kids and Frequently Changing Homes
I’ve been spending a lot of time after school packing up my home, preparing to move into another home, one which is a lot closer to my school, closer to the Big City, and is located in a mid-sized town. I’ll be back where food can be delivered to my door. Boy, I sure did…
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How to Combat Self Doubt as a Teacher
I have had some interesting events rise up in my personal life this week. I don’t know if this has happened to you, but when this type of week rolls in, it feels like a rushing wave of water at high tide, catching me sitting too close to the water’s edge. I feel like I’m…
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Some Tips You Need to Know to Survive Your First Year in Special Education
So, this isn’t my first year as a special education Teacher anymore…it’s certainly not my first year in Education…this year marks year 21 in the field. Having served in a variety of roles over these many years, it’s a safe bet that I thought I had a handle on my new gig—a calling from which…
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A New Normal – Explaining Loss to Child with Special Needs
Last week I enjoyed the best kind (in my mind) of vacation: a beach vacation. The opportunity to sit and watch the waves crash to shore in a pulsing, cacophonous, capacious rhythm which makes my heart happy, my mind relax, and my body become serenely placid. Ahh…the joys of getting away from it all. After…
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Professional Development: How Sweet It Is
I am a professional development junkie. I love it. It’s like a pan of homemade Rice Krispie treats for me…I don’t get to have it often enough and oh! That deliciously rice flavor. When it’s done well, I can’t wait for more because of its sweetness and a wonderful, lingering aftertaste, the effect of which…
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Special Education and Family Involvement
One of my friends realized school had let out for the summer and asked me what were my plans for my “time off.” That always cracks me up. Teachers don’t have time off, but that’s a blog entry for another day. Anyway, this pal—a retired Special Education Teacher--also asked how my first year went as…
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