I have had the privilege of being a teacher with Dash and Scout for just over a year now. Throughout my time working with the organization, a common, significant theme has re-occurred at almost every retreat I have been a part of. 

I have a background working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of capacities, but primarily within the educational setting. As I travel to Dash and Scout retreat weekends after teaching in my classroom during the week, I often reflect on my teaching that week and make a mental game plan for the following week. After the weekend with Dash and Scout, my focus is always refined by the participants' learning experiences. 

I’ve started thinking about my students' futures long-term and how my teaching can shape their adult lives. At retreats, I’ve witnessed the importance of early intervention, and teaching self-advocacy skills at a young age through the lives of the Dash and Scout participants. Many participants share strategies they’ve learned throughout their K-12 education or remember a specific memory of a teacher that has made a positive impact in their lives. Many share coping strategies and skills that they have carried with them throughout their life.

Oftentimes I feel like I’m seeing some of my students in the future while at the retreats. I’ve started thinking of how my classroom lessons can be more geared towards real life experiences or how I can embed choice making into other aspects of their day. Whether it is taking a couple of extra minutes to go through the breakfast line so students can make an intentional choice independently or recognizing areas where myself and my team can fade support to foster their independence, I make all of these decisions with their futures in mind. 

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Dash and Scout and the many ways it has shaped me, both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing to learn alongside each participant on retreat weekends. 

I hope this message can serve as a reminder that we are all lifelong learners, and there is always an opportunity to learn from others. You never know the difference it could make in someone else’s life.

With gratitude,

Liza

Liza Rennie

Dash and Scout Teacher

Special Education Teacher