Sep 5, 2022
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/_jt-XCV-TEE
SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION, HOW IMPORTANT ARE TEACHER’S ?
On this episode we are joined by Mark Chartier. Mark is a special education teacher, poet, speaker, and a man living with Tourette’s Syndrome. On this episode we discuss:
Destigmatizing Tourette’s Syndrome
How the Teacher's Worst Nightmare Became a Teacher Himself
Overcoming Disabilities, Abuse, and Mental Illness
For places to listen, places to connect on social media, to be a guest, collaborate with or sponsor DTE visit: https://linktr.ee/DisruptTheEveryday
Mark’s website: https://www.markchartier.com/
Get Mark’s Book Here
About Mark in his words
As a child, I exhibited bizarre actions such as neck
thrusting, facial grimacing, eye blinking, barking, and screaming,
which caused me to be ostracized in school. I got in many
fistfights, had poor grades, and was suspended from school
frequently. In short, I was a teacher's worst nightmare. Despite
this, I was fortunate to have some very caring educators who
inspired me to do my best in everything I did.
When I was 17, my father took me to a neurologist who diagnosed me
with Tourette's syndrome. Although we finally had an answer for my
behavior, this was just the first chapter of my journey with a
disability.
After barely graduating high school, I was admitted into college on
a probationary status. Every day was a battle with my Tourette's
symptoms and the side effects of medications. A brain injury in
2000 also caused me to develop a significant stutter that made
communicating with others exasperating. But I overcame these
challenges and earned a BA in English.
As I considered where I wanted to go from there, I thought about
the people who made a positive impact on my life growing up; the
answer was easy — educators. So, I decided to pursue an MA in
Special Education, which I completed in 2005.
I began teaching special education in 2008 and quickly became known
as "Mr. C" to my students. I fell madly in love with teaching and
realized that my disability served as a bridge with my students.
They realized that "Mr. C." was "different", so they were able to
identify with me in a unique way.
My passion for teaching kids with disabilities has inspired me to
share my story of triumph and success, as well as the poignant
anecdotes and life lessons I have experienced with my students.
Through poetry, memoir, and humor, I prove that anyone can conquer
any challenge with a positive attitude, hard work, and
determination.
Today, I am a published author, a motivational speaker, and a
disability advocate. It's been a long journey from being the
teacher's worst nightmare to becoming a success story they can be
proud of, but it's taught me so much about myself and life that I
can now share with others.