A Teacher And The Cystic Fibrosis Student
Teaching today can involve many different dynamics including dealing with those who have
learning challenges and those who have little desire to be in school. When a teacher is faced with
a student with physical challenges that stem from a medical condition, it can be helpful for the teacher
to learn about that particular student's medical condition.
How will the medical condition affect the learning
environment and the child's ability to function during all of the classroom hours and other school
activities? The teacher can have a positive influence on the CF students ability to have a successful
academic experience, if the teacher can take the time to understand and apply the knowledge learned
to the individual in their care.
During the "gaining knowledge" stage of discovering CF, the teacher should pay specific attention to
conditions inside the classroom. As well as take note of those conditions within the school building
and in any of the outside areas that students have access to, that may be affected by the special
issues of CF. This awareness of the school environment while learning about CF can allow the teacher
to apply some practical steps immediately. As well as plan andprepare for particular problems and
situaitons in their thought process so that may occur. Putting thoughts down on paper and
having a plan of action will aid their student to
learn and participate with greater success.
Some of the issues the teacher may come across are: The physical signs of the disorder, the ability of
the student to function physically, the need for medications, and special exercise.
It is important to convey when needed the fact that CF is not contagious; reassurance to
other faculty members and students the CF is not catching. This Knowledge will make it easier for the teacher
to encourage any CF students to develop social relationships with other staff and students and to
foster positive self-esteem.
The teacher will be concerned with providing as healthy an environment as possible for all
students, of course. Some time will be spent addressing the special needs of students who have
medical conditions. This will involve learning about the disorders or diseases and learning how to
protect and provide a nurturing educational environment.
Teachers are often involved in creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students with special
needs. Before addressing the process of creating this plan, the teacher should be sure that all
persons involved have had the opportunity to learn about cystic fibrosis and the special needs for the
age of the student. This plan can help the student by exploring tutoring needs, improvements in the
physical environment of the classroom and school in general, as well as addressing specific situations
like physical education, lunchtime and general social development.
One of the issues that the teacher can have a direct impact is with insuring that the
classroom environment is as germ-free as possible. It is also important that the CF student be
able to wash hands when necessary in-between bouts of coughing, sneezing or blowing his/her nose.
When there is not visible dirt on the hands, a CF student may use antibacterial hand gel instead
of soap and water. This gel can be kept in the classroom, allowing the student to easily use
it without leaving the room. During cold and flu season, it would be beneficial for other students
to have this antibacterial gel available as well.
The CF student may need to go to the bathroom more frequently than other students and should
not be discouraged from doing so by too rigid of a bathroom schedule.
News About Teachers and Cystic Fibrosis Students
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