A Lesson on Overcoming Adversity
Instructions: Look up Vickie Boutiette. Who is she? What awards did she win? What kind of impression do you think Mrs. Boutiette has made on the teaching world?
Mrs. Boutiette is a third grade teacher in North Dakota. She was very passionate about her job until, in 1990, she was diagnosed with cancer in her tongue and throat. She received many awards, but the one which describes her best is the one given to her for overcoming adversity to make a difference in students' lives. It's called the Frieda J. Riley Teacher Award and comes with a $10,000 check. Her speech, tastebuds, jaw bone, and throat were all affected by radiation treatment and the lumps. She was hoping to be out for as short amount of time as possible but her recovery was delayed when the infection spread to her jaw. The left side of her jaw was removed and left a hole in the side of her face. She'd never be able to speak well again. Three years later she went back to teaching. She was given small groups of children to teach them how to read. Boutiette would stuff cotton in the hole in her face and cover it with a bandage. Her jaw was very unstable so it would slip out and she'd bite her tongue when she would speak. She would tell the children "I have a hard time talking. You have a hard time reading. We're going to help eachother." Her self-pity dissolved as her drive to help the students replaced her thoughts. She went on to get a master's in reading. During this time she had many more surgeries. By November 2003 she had a new jaw and was soon pain free for the first time in years. Boutiette spends a lot of her time training teachers to be better reading teachers. Mrs. Boutiette plans on donating her $10,000 check to buy more paperback books for students.
Mrs. Boutiette has made an enormous impact on the education system. She has helped many students and other teachers which trickles down to teaching more students. Her perseverance has inspired tons of people and proven adversity can be overcome. She's a great example of a great teacher. No matter the adversities teachers may face, they can be overcome.
I got my information from this article on Mrs. Boutiette.
Wow! What a powerful story of rising above seemingly impossible obstacles! I love your last line, "No matter the adversities teachers may face, they can be overcome."
ReplyDeleteToday, I was on Special Ed. duty during our Spring Fling and I thought of you-- I was responsible for a boy who simply needed a "choice". Thanks for the lesson on how to persuade an obstinant child-- never thought I would need to use it so soon!
Anthony
This was a great post about an amazing story! I really enjoyed learning about Mrs. Boutiette. She cares about others almost more than herself and always looks on the positive side. She is an inspirational person and teacher. If more people were like her, I could only imagine all of the possibilities. I want to inspire other teachers one day and change lives also. Good luck in your future teaching practice!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, very inspiring and helpful!
ReplyDelete