Category Archives: Educator

On the ABLEISM of Participation Marks

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I was recently involved in an online discussion that has me considering that the common practice or focus on participation is often stacked against people who might participate or engage differently. When I encounter a situation where I am graded … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Distributed Learning, Educator, privilege, Visual Notes | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Teacher’s Kid – It’s not what you think…

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I had the opportunity this evening to enter into a discussion with a colleague: a fellow teacher who is also the parent of a five-year-old Autistic son. So as we talked this man commented, “It is great that you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Activist, Advocacy, Autism, childhood, Disability, Educator, neurodivergent, Parent, prejudice, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Kermit the Frog on Neurodiversity and Being Green

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Hi ho, Kermit the Frog here. Today I won’t tell you a little bit about Neurodiversity, and different kinds of brains, and Autistic people. Autistic people want to be a part of the conversation. They want to be included! But … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Advocacy, Autism, Autistic, Educator, inclusion, Kermit the Frog, Neurodiversity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Packing and Unpacking: Distance Education and the Social Model of Disability

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am finally packed. Gah – I am so terrible at packing… It taxes my executive function because… anticipating… and predicting… and sorting… and organizing… and planning… and DECISIONS!! So now that this is done, I will tell you about … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, Disability, Distance Education, Distributed Learning, diversity, Educator, executive function, inclusion, Special Education | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Ken Bramble: Connecting the Dots in #bced

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Some may wonder why a blog that is generally about Autism would be so closely focused on matters of public education of late, but the reality is that these matters are connected, and there is an unquestionable intersectionality between social … Continue reading →

Posted in Activist, Advocacy, advocate, Autism, BC Teachers Federation, BCTF, Educator, Public Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

MLA… MIA – What’s the Diff?!? #bced

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

The [neo]Liberal elected representatives of our Provincial Government are refusing to meet with constituents to discuss the current crisis in education in British Columbia. One MLA posted this outside his office. To be fair… he did so after children wielding… … Continue reading →

Posted in Christy Clark, Collective Responsibility, Educator, Parent, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Appreciation on the First Day of School: #Iwillholdtheline

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

So the first day of school in BC this year – a time that is usually exciting and feels full of possibility – is little different from most… Picketing is not the most promising start to the school year… but … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, BC Teachers Federation, BCTF, Educator, Play, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dear Mr. Fassbender: All You Really Need to Know You Learned in Kindergarten

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Note: This post is written in response to the BC Minster of Education, Peter Fassbender’s, CKNW radio interview regarding the labour dispute with the public school teachers of British Columbia (BCTF). Today I took part in a live-tweet response during … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Autistic, BC Teachers Federation, BCTF, Educator, Neurodiversity, Special Education, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Megan Metcalfe: I don’t want you to “negotiate” #BCTF #bced

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

The following is a guest post by BC Parent, Megan Metcalfe: I sent a letter to Christie Clark’s office, Peter Fassbender’s office, and my MLA about two weeks ago. I got a response just today. It was addressed from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christy Clark, Collective Responsibility, Educator, Parent, Public Education, Silence, Special Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Why a teacher??? #thisismystrikepay #BCTF

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Today on the picket lines, my colleagues and I were approached by a woman with two adorable dogs. I asked permission to take a picture of her sweet basset hound to use on social media in support of the strike. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, BC Teachers Federation, BCTF, Educator, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments