Judi MacLeod Highlight

The Cuvilly Program at Chaminade Julienne High School was created to help students with learning disabilities. The teachers in this program are dedicated to helping their students everyday and adding a special touch to CJ. We asked the teachers of this program a few questions about their job and what it is like to work in their field. Here is our first teacher highlight!

1. Can you talk a little bit about your job and what your primary roles and responsibilities are in that position?

I am the Director and Teacher of Cuvilly, So my director's role is to handle the paperwork (IEP and ETR). I deal with any policy changes, outreach to teachers, Family consult as well as Postsecondary Consult. I manage about 110 students and I have 3 other teachers to work with. As a teacher, I am the American Sign Language teacher, I am able to teach math as well as English and study career skills.

2. Why did you choose to pursue this occupation?

I have a passion for individuals with disabilities and enjoy problem-solving, which I do daily. This love started around 5th grade.

3. What are the most fulfilling or rewarding aspects of your job?

Working with students, who have barriers to understanding and being able to help them succeed.

4. What are some of the greatest challenges you face in your position?

Twofold, first, is dealing with adults, who do not understand why a student is acting the way they do. Sometimes it is students to figure out what is the best way for them to learn or change behaviors.

5. Is there anything you want others to know about your work and your students?

It is the best job ever. I have been teaching in this field for about 28 years and it is a wonderful opportunity. I have great people I work with and people who share this passion, which is wonderful.

6. Are there any misconceptions you would like to see corrected?

The biggest one is that all Cuvilly students are "dumb" or not able to do. Many times people make comments and do not realize that there is a Cuvilly student right there. It really hurts their feelings and makes them not want to be in Cuvilly. I wish students understood that and know that unlike some things you can't tell who is or is not in Cuvilly. Many teachers don't know either and will say hey is this person in your program. I happened to be the only person in the school who has the list memorized and knows exactly who is in the program and who is not. I have kids in AP, honors as well as CP and General.

Thank you so much to Mrs. MacLeod for agreeing to help us with our project and participate in this interview!!