11/01/2019 -
Name:
David Joslyn
Years at SCOE:
15 years with SCOE – five years as a teacher's aide, 10 years as a special education teacher.
Job Title:
Special Education Teacher
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I work with very disabled children. The curriculum is not academic – they’re learning daily living skills like sitting in a chair and feeding themselves with a spoon. They’re non-ambulatory, and they’re learning to walk using a pacer, walker, staff or hand-held assistance. All of them are non-verbal, so they’re learning to communicate using simple devices.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Santa Rosa. I’ve been told the population was 20,000 when we moved here.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
My favorite childhood teacher was my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Shimmen. She was kind, tall, and had an English accent. (Mrs. Shimmen died in a car accident when I was in fourth grade, so she was the first person I cared about that died).
What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
My favorite thing about SCOE is the people, of course. My students are lovely children. The staff in our classroom are personable, professional, and we’re friends. Related service providers: the best (personally and professionally). Administrative support from El Colegio: exemplary! Support from Skylane: perfect! SCOE has been very, very good to me!.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
I was a newly-hired long-term sub. I think it was a K-2 classroom. We went on a walking field trip to a park that was next to the campus. The park had a big pond. (I bet you know where this story is going). One of my students did a quick sprint, took a giant leap, and disappeared beneath the surface! He popped right up – the water was chest-high. Freaked me out!.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
My “hobby” for the past 25 months has been getting our home re-built, which has been quite stressful. Fortunately, I love my job, so I guess that’s where I unwind. When the house is done – any day now – I’ll get back into regular hiking and mountain biking.
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
I love biking the trail that goes from North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park to Jack London State Park.
