In knowing our students ourselves

This article describes the relationship between a middle school student teacher and one of her students with learning handicaps. Through a series of interviews and observations for 1 school year, the teacher learned about the needs of this student and also developed insights into teaching, particularly related to students with learning disabilities. Jimmy was a sixth grader with a first-grade reading level. He revealed his tricks and methods for getting out of reading to the teacher, who was amazed that he made it so far without reading. The teacher's feelings changed from hopeless at first to hopeful and proud by the end of the year. During the interviews, Jimmy described how he would get very nervous when he was asked to read, and quickly start trouble to disrupt the class and be sent to the principal's office. He would often fake sickness and be sent to the nurse, just to get out of reading. This interview process not only enlightened the teacher about her student, but also created a vehicle for her to form a working relationship with her student. This relationship was essential to Jimmy's beginning to read.