The Story of Chris and His Students
Chris Ulmer, a special education teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, was teaching students with many developmental challenges such as autism and Down syndrome. Not focused on the disabilities, contrariwise — at the beginning of each class, he did a circle where he went around the room, giving each student in turn a series of compliments, telling every young man what he liked about him, underlining his strengths and talents.
Chris would tell them things each day like, “You are an amazing writer,” or “You have the best smile,” or “You are very intelligent and kind.” Not passing words but real acknowledgments of the worth and potential of each student. In such a short time, these children started to blossom with his encouragement. Children had become far more confident and a lot happier. Self-esteem was in development. Even their academic progress had improved.
He also created a Facebook page, Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK), where he started to share various videos and stories about his students and about other children and adults with disabilities. It was all about making people find understanding and acceptance for people with different abilities. Such videos have gone viral on his page as millions watch, share, and appreciate the beauty in every single student that Chris features.
