Apr 14, 2020
The session in which we chat with LaChan and Michael Hannon
about race, education, and parent-teacher involvement.
LaChan V. Hannon is a culturally responsive teacher leader and
educator. She is a PhD student researching culturally responsive
school practices with particular attention to parent engagement.
LaChan has published articles and chapters in academic texts
including: International Handbook of Self-Study of
Teaching and Teacher Education
Practices and Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorders.
Dr. Michael Hannon is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at
Montclair State University. His work has been featured in various
media outlets and organizations including Autism Speaks, Thrive
Global, Fusion, Huffington Post, and WURD 900AM. His forthcoming
book, Black Fathering and Mental Health: Black Fathers Discuss
the Needs of Men and Fathers Across the Family Life Cycle,
will be published by Peter Lang in September 2020.
Together, LaChan and Michael developed the nonprofit
organization, Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center for
Childhood Disabilities, Inc. GETAC is dedicated to providing
support resources to families and children living with
developmental disabilities and the professionals who serve
them.
www.getac.org
UPDATE from Dr. Michael Hannon: "The
pandemic has required our family to remember how important it is to
be flexible, while attending to the norms that keep us balanced.
Some of us like isolation at times; some of us need more frequent
interaction. Thankfully, we have shared language (verbal and
nonverbal) that provides cues and instructions about what we need.
For example, school means something different for each of the
children. One really enjoys the social interaction, the other
appreciates the opportunity for distance learning. I realize,
though, that school gives the kids space and permission to be, do,
and say things differently than they might in my company. For me,
that translates into allowing them some uninterrupted time to
connect with friends virtually while trying not to be overbearing.
Yesterday, I found out that my son was participating in a social
media "push up" challenge. It caught me by surprise at first.
After talking with LaChan, she reminded me - "He NEEDS those
interactions!"
It's also been important for us to show
each other patience, gratitude, and to expect some bumps along the
way. We are realizing what works one day or week may not work the
next day or week (or even hour!). Leaving room and granting
permission to equally share laughs and frustrations, I think, will
continue to be really important. At the end of the day, I'm
grateful we have each other. We are healthy and we are together,
which is plenty for which to be thankful."
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