By Smithson Craighead Academy Staff
For eight weeks, Ms. Ferrell’s second grade class at Smithson Craighead Academy had one extra student—a rather furry one. Clifford, a service dog in training, made himself at home among 16 students all day, every day, while being socialized.
Socialization is the first phase of training for a future service dog from Retrieving Independence, a local nonprofit agency which trains service dogs to respond to various medical and psychological conditions.
Ms. Ferrell jumped at the opportunity to teach her students lessons beyond reading and math standards. Clifford’s daily presence was a chance to teach life skills such as responsibility, confidence, teamwork, and discipline—all qualities that easily translate to ownership of one’s academic success in the classroom.
“Clifford has allowed me to reach some students who might otherwise remain distant,” Ms. Ferrell said. “He has bridged some gaps and opened some doors with students. Relationships are key in my classroom, and Clifford has definitely assisted in the area of relationships.”
Clifford also helped students get excited about their school work. Students wrote stories about Clifford, earned reading and walking time with Clifford, and even had a special outing with Clifford and Ms. Ferrell.
Ms. Ferrell’s favorite part of this experience was watching her students gain confidence with reinforcing commands such as, “better hurry,” “that’s enough,” “this way,” and “let’s go.”
A fully trained service dog, Yogi, also visited Ms. Ferrell’s classroom. The students were able to watch and practice advanced commands such as “brace” and “grab it” and “bring it.” The students were amazed at the transformation that occurs in a year’s time.
“It was incredible to see the students’ confidence develop and then spill into the classroom,” she said. “We applied this new knowledge to our growth and data goals. Our classroom mantra became: If Clifford can do it, we can, too!”
There were days when Clifford helped students de-escalate, days when students from other classrooms just needed a “check-in” with Clifford, and Clifford was happy to oblige. He even brought calm to the car-riders during dismissal.
“He was everyone’s friend,” Ms. Ferrell said.
Through it all, Ms. Ferrell’s students learned what it means to be a part of a community by giving your time to help others.
“I am thankful to teach at a school that embraced this unique chance to be a part of something much bigger than a classroom while giving back to our community,” Ms. Ferrell said. This is Ms. Ferrell’s first year teaching at Smithson Craighead Academy, a free public charter school serving elementary grades in the Madison area.
“It’s truly remarkable to witness the community working together. The school, the prisons, and Retrieving Independence collaborating to better the lives of others. This is the best lesson I could teach my students,” she said.
Retrieving Independence partners with the Tennessee Department of Corrections to train their service dogs. Clifford has now begun his next phase of training at the Tennessee Prison for Women where he’ll spend the next 18 months learning numerous commands. Upon graduation, he’ll be matched to a recipient in need.
Ms. Ferrell continues to serve as Clifford’s furlough, getting one weekend a month with Clifford until his graduation. During Clifford’s first furlough, Ms. Ferrell and Clifford met some students and families for ice cream.
