Just Another Kid

1. A diverse classroom of troubled children presents unique challenges and opportunities

"Here I was in this bar. And I looked over and there she was. And believe me, you couldn't miss her. She was young—what—twenty-three? You know, fresh face and all that. The way girls are at that age. And God, the way she looked. She looked wild. Untamed. She looked like a lioness."

A unique classroom. Torey Hayden's special education classroom is a microcosm of diverse challenges. The students include:

• Dirkie: An 11-year-old with childhood schizophrenia and obsessive behaviors
• Leslie: A 7-year-old with severe autism-like symptoms and diabetes
• Mariana: An 8-year-old with borderline IQ and precocious sexual behavior
• Shemona and Geraldine: Irish sisters, aged 5 and 8, traumatized by violence in Northern Ireland
• Shamie: Their 13-year-old cousin, also from Northern Ireland

Each child brings unique needs, behaviors, and potential, creating a complex environment that requires adaptability, patience, and innovative teaching methods.

2. Building trust and communication is crucial for helping children with emotional issues

"I think what I expected was for you to tell me I couldn't do it."

Breaking through barriers. Torey's approach to helping her students involves:

• Creating a safe, nurturing environment
• Encouraging open communication
• Using personalized strategies for each child

For example, with Shemona, a selectively mute child, Torey works patiently to build trust. She allows Ladbrooke, her aide, to develop a special bond with Shemona through play and nurturing activities. This gradually leads to Shemona breaking her silence, first with Ladbrooke and then with others.

3. Alcoholism and personal struggles can significantly impact a teacher's effectiveness

"I've got the pills. 271. That should be enough. I get a bottle of scotch and sit down with them. I divide them into groups of five. I think I can swallow five at a time."

Personal demons. Ladbrooke Taylor, Leslie's mother and Torey's classroom aide, struggles with alcoholism and deep-seated emotional issues. Her challenges include:

• Difficulty forming relationships, especially with women
• A troubled marriage with Tom Considyne
• Feelings of inadequacy as a mother

These personal struggles initially hinder Ladbrooke's effectiveness in the classroom. However, as she works through her issues with Torey's support, she becomes a valuable asset to the children, particularly in her connection with Shemona.

4. Separating troubled siblings can lead to positive individual growth

"Sometimes, I wish I was Shamie's sister and not Geraldine's," Shemona said, her tone surprisingly heartfelt.

Breaking codependency. Torey recognizes the unhealthy dynamic between Geraldine and Shemona:

• Geraldine exerts control over Shemona, keeping her silent and fearful
• Shemona relies on Geraldine for protection but is stifled by her

By separating the sisters during part of the school day, placing Shemona in a younger class where she can excel, Torey facilitates:

1. Shemona's increased independence and self-confidence
2. Improved social skills for both girls
3. Shemona's willingness to speak to others beyond her sister

This separation proves crucial for both girls' individual development and healing.

5. Traumatic experiences shape children's behaviors and coping mechanisms

"Matthew was crying. And I couldn't find him. I got out of my bed to go to him, but I couldn't find him."

The impact of trauma. The Irish children's experiences with violence in Northern Ireland profoundly affect their behavior:

• Geraldine becomes controlling and manipulative, using fear to dominate Shemona
• Shemona withdraws into selective mutism as a coping mechanism
• Shamie struggles with depression and anxiety about potential violence

Torey works to help the children process their trauma through:

1. Creating a safe environment for expression
2. Encouraging open discussions about their experiences
3. Providing individual attention and support

By addressing the root causes of their behaviors, Torey helps the children begin to heal and develop healthier coping strategies.

6. Innovative teaching methods can unlock potential in children with special needs

"Leslie does nothing. If I told her to sit, she sat. But if I didn't, she would remain stranded wherever I had left her."

Unlocking potential. Torey employs creative strategies to help her students progress:

For Leslie:

1. Using food rewards to encourage speech
2. Implementing a strict toilet training regimen
3. Gradually increasing academic expectations

For Dirkie:

• Accommodating his obsessions while setting boundaries
• Using his interests (e.g., cats) as teaching tools

For Shemona:

• Allowing Ladbrooke to use play and nurturing to encourage speech
• Placing her in a younger class to boost confidence

These tailored approaches lead to significant improvements in the children's abilities and behaviors, demonstrating the power of individualized, creative teaching methods in special education.

7. The complexities of personal relationships affect professional boundaries in education

"What am I going to do without you?" Lad asked. "How am I going to survive without you?"

Blurred lines. The relationship between Torey and Ladbrooke becomes complex:

• Torey serves as both a professional mentor and emotional support for Ladbrooke
• Ladbrooke develops a deep attachment to Torey
• Their bond affects Torey's interactions with Tom Considyne and her perspective on Leslie's home life

This relationship raises questions about:

1. The appropriate boundaries between teachers and parents/aides
2. The role of emotional support in professional settings
3. The potential impact of personal relationships on educational decisions

While their connection proves beneficial for the children, particularly Leslie and Shemona, it also creates challenges and ethical considerations for Torey.

8. Progress in special education is often incremental but meaningful

"Leslie was making no noticeable progress whatsoever."

Small victories. Throughout the school year, the children make various levels of progress:

• Leslie: Learns to speak, read basic words, and gains some social skills
• Shemona: Overcomes selective mutism and gains confidence
• Mariana: Improves academically, though still behind her age group
• Shamie: Begins to integrate into regular classes

While some improvements are dramatic, others are subtle. Torey emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating even small steps forward, understanding that for children with special needs, these incremental changes can be significant achievements.

9. The impact of intervention on family dynamics can be profound and unexpected

"What you don't seem to realize, Torey, is that I never necessarily wanted her to change. She's always been difficult, and things have always been hard for us, but I liked her the way she was. Untamed. Not quite like other people."

Ripple effects. Torey's interventions with the children have far-reaching consequences:

For the Considyne family:

• Leslie's progress challenges the established family dynamic
• Ladbrooke's personal growth creates tension with Tom
• Tom feels threatened by the changes in his wife and daughter

For the Lonrho family:

• Separating Geraldine and Shemona improves their home life
• Shemona's newfound voice changes family interactions

These changes highlight the complex interplay between educational interventions and family systems, demonstrating that helping a child can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges within their home environment.

Last updated: November 14, 2024