This is a wonderful story that was broadcast on NPR about an emergency situation in an airplane bound for Melbourne, Australia.
A young man with Down Syndrome was physically ill, lying in the middle of the aisle, and wouldn’t get up.
And he was really upset. He was feeling itchy. He was feeling scared, and no one could move him at that time.
The plane couldn’t land until he was in his seat and belted in.
The call went out from the cockpit, “Is there a teacher on the plane?”
Sophie Murphy, who teaches children with special needs, responded. She lay down on the floor next to the boy and talked to him. Eventually, she talked him into getting up and returning to his seat. Everyone was very quiet and listened closely as she used her skills to calm the boy. When he started vomiting, they rushed to offer sick bags, tissues, and wipes. A doctor sitting close by took notes.
Nothing fazed Sophie. She handled the situation with professionalism and kindness.
She said afterwards:
This was what teachers do. This is what they do in their classrooms every day. They problem solve, and they connect with children on a daily basis. And any one of my colleagues and friends who are teachers would have done exactly the same.
Thanks for this, Diane. Teachers ROCK!
Teachers Rock!
If the pilot had the current mentality, an air marshall type would have manhandled him into compliance. I sure am glad the teacher was a trained special educator and not a TFA type from a no excuses charter.
I must admit I was impressed that the airplane had aisles wide enough for the teacher to lie down next to him. 🙂
2Old,
Must have been first class with such wide aisles
“And he was feeling really unwell and so had actually put – was lying down on the floor in the middle of the aisle with his face toward the pilot and lying on his stomach.”
Sounds like this was the exit isle near the pilot, usual location for a fold up jumpseat for a flight attendant.
In any case, a wonderful story…and exactly the right moves from an experienced teacher.
This qualified teacher contributed more to addressing this young man’s meltdown than any “Pay for Success” scheme ever will.
Diane – Once again, you made my day!
Priceless!
Reblogged this on Politicians Are Poody Heads and commented:
Good for Sophie Murphy! And she’s right, this is what teachers do.
She’s right, teachers to the rescue. Kudos. Highly qualified you say.
Let’s put this in perspective with another posting today—
Neither the student nor the teacher would find favor in $ucce$$ Academy.
That said, news to gladden the heart.
😎
An SA teacher would probably rip up the barf bag in his face.
So teachers still have good reputation is some circles.
I am a tough old crow but this brought tears to my eyes because it is SO what we do and I love all of us for this truth.
What a beautiful story!
“Is there a teacher on the plane?” I love that.
I love this story. The teacher definitely is in the correct job!