As the 2024-25 school year kicks off, students at Turie T. Small Elementary in Daytona Beach are welcomed with open arms to a new academic journey. Among the dedicated educators at the school is Mary Tilford, a seasoned teacher with a passion for working with exceptional student education (ESE) students. Tilford’s journey into teaching began as a substitute teacher, but it was when she encountered a student with a traumatic brain injury that she discovered her true calling.
For the past 30 years, Tilford has been an integral part of the ESE department at Deltona High School, where she currently works with multi-VE students who have varying exceptionalities. These students require specialized attention and support due to their intellectual or behavioral disabilities. Despite the challenges that come with working with these students, Tilford finds immense joy in being able to connect with them and help them navigate their educational journey.
One of the biggest challenges that ESE teachers like Tilford face is the overwhelming amount of paperwork that comes with the job. Unlike regular teachers, ESE specialists are required to document all services and support they provide to students with disabilities in real-time. This meticulous documentation is essential for monitoring students’ progress in achieving the goals outlined in their individualized education plans (IEP).
Elizabeth Albert, president of the teacher’s union, highlights the struggle that ESE teachers face in balancing their responsibilities to their students with the demands of paperwork. Teachers often find themselves running from one task to the next, with little time to plan and prepare for instruction or differentiate lessons to meet the needs of individual students. The lack of time and support can lead to feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout among ESE teachers and paraprofessionals.
The situation is further exacerbated by the aftermath of a settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Volusia County Schools, which aimed to address discriminatory practices against ESE students. The agreement required the implementation of new policies and practices, leading to an increase in paperwork and documentation requirements for ESE teachers.
In response to the overwhelming workload, the district has introduced Education Modified, a special education software designed to streamline the documentation process for ESE teachers. The program allows teachers to pull data directly from students’ IEPs and create, read, and share reports more efficiently. While the program has received positive feedback from some teachers, others continue to struggle with the demands of their job.
Despite the challenges she faces, Mary Tilford remains committed to supporting her students and advocating for improvements in the education system. She believes that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to learn and grow. Tilford’s dedication to her students and her unwavering passion for teaching serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting and valuing educators who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of their students.
