Today all my students arrived for first day back to school, was a positive experience. I spent a lot of time this summer trying to rehab myself through swimming to regain some strength in my legs. Granted I still teach using a wheel chair, my goal this year is to try to get out of it at least one day a week.

The kids are always a little on edge when they see the chair and the AFO's on my legs, but I popped a wheelie and they are ok with it.

Great! Glad things are off to a good start. I've never had a teacher who uses a wheelchair--I can imagine it would be a little unnerving for a child---not quite knowing how to react and if they should treat you differently. Sounds like you handle it well, though, and let them know that you are just a normal person like they all are! What age range do you teach? I have an elementary education degree and hoped to teach starting this fall, but I'm bedridden so I cannot work right now. I sure hope I can someday, though! Hope the rest of the school year goes wonderfully for you.

Congratulations! I hope my grandkids get teachers with as much moxy as you have. What an excellent role model you are!

Thanks! I teach sixth grade, middle school.
Today was a challenge, the kids were wonderful, but I have set a goal to teach one day standing on my feet as I dont want to loose any more muscle in my legs from being in a chair. Hence swimming a lot as well, but after using my walker all day, I was really sore when I came home. I had the chair at work as backup. A nurse recommended to me, perhaps one hour of one day, or one hour sitting and one hour standing, rotation. I might try that.

The kids are very accepting of the chair, and conciensous of keeping backbacks out of the way so I can move around and work with them. Biggest challenge for me in a chair, or with crutches or walker is keeping up with them. They are very energetic!