Changemaker: Raymond (right) with Victer at the 2023 Special Education MSSM Athletics Championships in Paroi, Negri Sembilan.
THE most important things a special education teacher needs to possess are patience and a sense of responsibility for his or her students.
That is the firm belief of Raymond Weil Garagus and it has served him and his students well.
Recently feted with the February 2024 Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (Senia) World Changer Award, the History and Mathematics teacher at Keningau Vocational College, Sabah, said it is important that educators show students “wholehearted love and patience” when teaching them.
“Special needs students are unique, with every single one of them from different categories, and their actions are different from the norm,” the 31-year-old told StarEdu.
As a special education teacher for six years, he said he still finds the need to cater to each student’s unique condition the biggest challenge.
“I often have to repeat what I have taught over and over again for my students who have hearing impairment and learning disabilities,” he shared.
Nevertheless, Raymond’s dedication to his students goes beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Besides his teaching duties, the avid sports player coaches them in track and field events and various team sports.
Just as in his classroom lessons, he customises training programmes to suit their capabilities, despite the vocational college having limited space and lacking a running track.
His efforts have yielded remarkable results, with his students attaining success in athletics, earning podium finishes and securing gold medals at district, state and national levels.
Among their accomplishments include representing the vocational college at the Malaysian Deaf Games (Sopma), with some students advancing to national-level track and field competitions in 2018, 2019 and 2023.
Several students have also transitioned into mainstream school championships for non-disabled learners, earning medals.
In addition, two of his students, Brigette Yasin and Victer Ben Salleh, were honoured with the 2022 Senia Student Award and the 2023 Senia Student Honorary Certificate, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to athletics.
It is in the sports field that Raymond recalls having the most memorable moments with his students.
While training them for different events, he would run from one end of the field to the other to coach them, he said.
“I didn’t expect to receive the Senia World Changer Award but I feel happy,” he said.
Raymond shared that upon the completion of his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) in 2012, he knew his passion was for education and subsequently ventured into special education as he saw huge potential in the field.
He urged new teachers starting their journey in special education to “be patient, always be enthusiastic and carry out their responsibilities sincerely”.
“Please give your utmost support and encouragement to special needs students, so they don’t feel shunned or embarrassed in front of others.
“Discern their talents in whatever potential fields and train them to improve until they can achieve results that they can be proud of,” he said.
The Senia World Changer Award recognises individuals who promote inclusion in their community, and support the association’s vision and mission.
Li Zhen, 20, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Using words and pictures from the newspaper, create a card for Raymond congratulating him on his award and encouraging him to continue making a positive difference in the lives of his students.
2 In what ways can society be more supportive of students with special needs? Discuss with your friends.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
