By
Jeanine K - 6G
Mrs.
Debbie Bowens is an instructional assistant who works in the special education
department. An instructional assistant helps kids out with things that their
teacher assigns.
I can
tell you that Mrs. Bowens is very nice and almost everyone knows her; they just
sometimes don’t know her name—and even I forgot! Now I’m not going to take
all the credit for being able write about this great staff member. This is
supposed to be a story from Alexandra Huff because she is the one who did the
interview with Mrs. Bowens. So, just beware! I’m just writing the story based
on the questions and answers that follow.
What
inspired you to become a teacher?
“I
have always liked being with kids, and when I lost my office job due to the
company moving out of the state, I started babysitting for my friend’s
disabled child. I watched him until
he entered kindergarten in the multiple disabilities class here at D.V.E.S. I
was fortunate to get an instructional assistant position in his classroom. I
worked in that class for six years and now I am in Mr. C’s life skill class.
It’s very rewarding with these special children.”
How
long have you been a teacher and how long will you be a teacher?
“I
started as an instructional assistant in 1988 in the multiple disabilities
class. Now I am in Mr. C’s life skills class and plan to be here for a long
time because I enjoy it.”
Mrs.
Bowens has helped with math, reading, spelling, fine motor skills, life skills,
just to name a few, in her position as instructional assistant. She has no
favorite subjects to teach.
She
says the best part of her job is seeing the joy in a child’s face after they
have accomplished something. The hardest is disciplining a child that doesn’t
listen to you.
When
Mrs. Bowens is not teaching, she likes motorcycling, fishing, snowmobiling,
traveling, and doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
Mrs.
Bowens would like to say that she is proud of all the children who take the time
to help out with the life skills children.
“They
appreciate all that you do for them. Keep up the good work!” she said.
Mrs.
Bowens is a wonderful person and she has changed many lives. She is a good
helper for children and I hope you all respect what she does.