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Annie
Student
Greenville, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What knowledge does a special education teacher needs to know?
Hello, I am going into 9th grade and I've been thinking about doing a special education career, or possibly a counselor if I did a job in a school. I was in special education for most of my life until 8th grade. It was much different to be in a study hall than special ed. I did miss it but I was able to adjust and learn to ask for help whenever needed. I would love to help students who are struggling to become a greater version of theirselves. I would assume you would need to know the subjects very well in the grade as this kind if teacher, which I believe you get better at overtime as you are working on the district. I would also assume maybe some counseling skills for students who may be out of control. This is just some of what I learned as being a special ed student and I would like to fully understand the concept of being a special ed teacher.
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5 answers
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Annie,
Special education is a rewarding but challenging field at the same time. It requires high level of responsibility, patience, and the ability to share others' emotional and psychological hardships.
You should decide what path of special education you are going to follow. For instance, there are specializations related to teaching people with visual, hearing and other types of disabilities. You can also become a general Special education teacher.
Special education is a rewarding but challenging field at the same time. It requires high level of responsibility, patience, and the ability to share others' emotional and psychological hardships.
You should decide what path of special education you are going to follow. For instance, there are specializations related to teaching people with visual, hearing and other types of disabilities. You can also become a general Special education teacher.
Desiree Juby
Training and Development
11
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Annie,
It's wonderful that you are interested in exploring an opportunity in Special Education. Special Education needs are on a spectrum and education occurs in a variety of settings.
Special education resource teachers often visit classrooms or receive students for a class or two each day to help students with learning disabilities achieve success through teaching concepts, remediation or additional study support time in a variety of subjects--math and reading being the most common. If the resource teacher teaches in their own room, it is often a class with a lower number of students than in a traditional classroom.
Special Education teachers that support students with physical disabilities also may have a variety of students with different needs. For example, you might have students that are so profoundly disabled that their education is focused on learning or providing self-care skills such as feeding themselves, using the lavatory, navigation of the school--these students have a range of needs from one on one support or simply assistance with creating accommodations for those in wheelchairs that are allowed extended time to travel from classroom to classroom.
Another setting is what's called a self-contained classroom where students remain in the classroom with the special education teacher all day and content is delivered by the special education teacher and sometimes regular classroom teachers may visit to deliver content. These classrooms have a small number of students and may include students with developmental disabilities such as autism, emotional or behavioral challenges and those that have difficulty remaining in the traditional classroom. Often there are mixed grade levels in these classes with different educational needs or subjects. Additionally, the teacher may also provide guidance or formal teaching on social skills, regulating their own emotions or behavior.
Special education teachers are also involved with developing Individual Education Plans (IEP) or 504 Plans. Both plans are specific to an individual student and will be created in conjuction with regular education teachers, parents. school staff, providers (such as speech therapists, physical therapists etc. There may also be individuals from the school district's central office. These meetings are used to create the plans, identify accommodations the student may need to access a Free and Appropriate Education, a plan to address behavioral challenges. This team may meet a few times a year to discuss progress of the student and to make adjustments to accommodations.
I've outlined a few steps you can take to learn more about special education. A resource I've found helpful is www.wrightslaw.com . It is a great resource to use to learn more about special education, the rights of parents and students, resources on the laws regarding special education and examples of accommodations as well as much more.
Research using wrightslaw.com.
Obtain permission from your school to observe or assist in special education classrooms in the different types of settings.
If offered at your school, take a class on psychology or child development.
It's wonderful that you are interested in exploring an opportunity in Special Education. Special Education needs are on a spectrum and education occurs in a variety of settings.
Special education resource teachers often visit classrooms or receive students for a class or two each day to help students with learning disabilities achieve success through teaching concepts, remediation or additional study support time in a variety of subjects--math and reading being the most common. If the resource teacher teaches in their own room, it is often a class with a lower number of students than in a traditional classroom.
Special Education teachers that support students with physical disabilities also may have a variety of students with different needs. For example, you might have students that are so profoundly disabled that their education is focused on learning or providing self-care skills such as feeding themselves, using the lavatory, navigation of the school--these students have a range of needs from one on one support or simply assistance with creating accommodations for those in wheelchairs that are allowed extended time to travel from classroom to classroom.
Another setting is what's called a self-contained classroom where students remain in the classroom with the special education teacher all day and content is delivered by the special education teacher and sometimes regular classroom teachers may visit to deliver content. These classrooms have a small number of students and may include students with developmental disabilities such as autism, emotional or behavioral challenges and those that have difficulty remaining in the traditional classroom. Often there are mixed grade levels in these classes with different educational needs or subjects. Additionally, the teacher may also provide guidance or formal teaching on social skills, regulating their own emotions or behavior.
Special education teachers are also involved with developing Individual Education Plans (IEP) or 504 Plans. Both plans are specific to an individual student and will be created in conjuction with regular education teachers, parents. school staff, providers (such as speech therapists, physical therapists etc. There may also be individuals from the school district's central office. These meetings are used to create the plans, identify accommodations the student may need to access a Free and Appropriate Education, a plan to address behavioral challenges. This team may meet a few times a year to discuss progress of the student and to make adjustments to accommodations.
I've outlined a few steps you can take to learn more about special education. A resource I've found helpful is www.wrightslaw.com . It is a great resource to use to learn more about special education, the rights of parents and students, resources on the laws regarding special education and examples of accommodations as well as much more.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're considering a career in special education, especially given your personal experience. Special education teachers play a crucial role in helping students with diverse learning needs succeed. Here's some knowledge and skills you'll need as a special education teacher:
1. **Understanding Diverse Disabilities:**
- Special education teachers need to be knowledgeable about various disabilities, such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral disorders. Understanding the unique challenges each student faces is essential.
2. **Educational Psychology:**
- Learning about the psychological aspects of learning and development will help you tailor your teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of your students.
3. **Differentiated Instruction:**
- Special education teachers must adapt and modify curriculum materials to make them accessible to students with disabilities. This requires creativity and flexibility in teaching methods.
4. **IEPs (Individualized Education Plans):**
- Special education teachers play a key role in developing and implementing IEPs, which are personalized plans for students with disabilities. Understanding how to create, monitor, and adjust these plans is crucial.
5. **Behavior Management and Counseling Skills:**
- As you mentioned, dealing with behavioral issues may be part of the job. Learning about behavior management techniques and basic counseling skills can be beneficial.
6. **Legal and Ethical Considerations:**
- Special education teachers need to be aware of the laws and regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You'll also need to uphold ethical standards in your interactions with students and their families.
7. **Communication Skills:**
- Effective communication is vital. You'll be working closely with students, their families, and other educators. Being able to convey information clearly and compassionately is essential.
8. **Patience and Empathy:**
- Patience and empathy are virtues in special education. Understanding and supporting students through their challenges can be emotionally demanding, but it's incredibly rewarding.
9. **Continuous Learning:**
- Education is an ever-evolving field. Stay up-to-date with research, teaching methods, and assistive technologies that can benefit your students.
10. **Collaboration:**
- Special education teachers often work in collaboration with general education teachers, counselors, speech therapists, and other specialists. Effective teamwork is essential.
Starting your career journey in 9th grade is a great idea. You can begin by taking courses in psychology, education, and child development as you progress through high school. Volunteering or working as a tutor or mentor with students who have special needs can also provide valuable experience. Ultimately, becoming a special education teacher is a noble and impactful choice, and your personal connection to the field can make a profound difference in the lives of your future students.
1. **Understanding Diverse Disabilities:**
- Special education teachers need to be knowledgeable about various disabilities, such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral disorders. Understanding the unique challenges each student faces is essential.
2. **Educational Psychology:**
- Learning about the psychological aspects of learning and development will help you tailor your teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of your students.
3. **Differentiated Instruction:**
- Special education teachers must adapt and modify curriculum materials to make them accessible to students with disabilities. This requires creativity and flexibility in teaching methods.
4. **IEPs (Individualized Education Plans):**
- Special education teachers play a key role in developing and implementing IEPs, which are personalized plans for students with disabilities. Understanding how to create, monitor, and adjust these plans is crucial.
5. **Behavior Management and Counseling Skills:**
- As you mentioned, dealing with behavioral issues may be part of the job. Learning about behavior management techniques and basic counseling skills can be beneficial.
6. **Legal and Ethical Considerations:**
- Special education teachers need to be aware of the laws and regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You'll also need to uphold ethical standards in your interactions with students and their families.
7. **Communication Skills:**
- Effective communication is vital. You'll be working closely with students, their families, and other educators. Being able to convey information clearly and compassionately is essential.
8. **Patience and Empathy:**
- Patience and empathy are virtues in special education. Understanding and supporting students through their challenges can be emotionally demanding, but it's incredibly rewarding.
9. **Continuous Learning:**
- Education is an ever-evolving field. Stay up-to-date with research, teaching methods, and assistive technologies that can benefit your students.
10. **Collaboration:**
- Special education teachers often work in collaboration with general education teachers, counselors, speech therapists, and other specialists. Effective teamwork is essential.
Starting your career journey in 9th grade is a great idea. You can begin by taking courses in psychology, education, and child development as you progress through high school. Volunteering or working as a tutor or mentor with students who have special needs can also provide valuable experience. Ultimately, becoming a special education teacher is a noble and impactful choice, and your personal connection to the field can make a profound difference in the lives of your future students.
Katherine L
45
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hello Annie, special education teachers are truly remarkable individuals who dedicate their work to students with diverse needs, including those with learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They skillfully modify general education lessons, ensuring that students with mild to moderate disabilities can access and engage with the material. These teachers also focus on imparting vital basic skills to students with more severe disabilities. For instance, some teachers guide students in mastering study techniques, like highlighting key text or using flashcards. Others devote their time to students with physical disabilities, who may rely on a wheelchair or other adaptive devices. The role of a special educator is multi-faceted, involving evaluating students' abilities, identifying their unique educational requirements, and crafting personalized Education Programs (IEPs) for each one.
If this field interests you, I encourage you to connect with your school counselor or delve deeper into the topic online. You could also explore the Special Education undergraduate programs offered by various colleges and universities. This could be the start of a truly rewarding career path :)
If this field interests you, I encourage you to connect with your school counselor or delve deeper into the topic online. You could also explore the Special Education undergraduate programs offered by various colleges and universities. This could be the start of a truly rewarding career path :)
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Annie!
I am going to give some different advice than others have. You are young, take advantage of that. You do not need to decide what career you want right now, take this time to explore instead of prepare prematurely. Look into a lot of careers so you know for sure that is what you want to do.
If you decide that you really want to be a SPED teacher, I would recommend shadowing a real teacher in a school. You are able to see what it is like for them, and what skills will be required.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
I am going to give some different advice than others have. You are young, take advantage of that. You do not need to decide what career you want right now, take this time to explore instead of prepare prematurely. Look into a lot of careers so you know for sure that is what you want to do.
If you decide that you really want to be a SPED teacher, I would recommend shadowing a real teacher in a school. You are able to see what it is like for them, and what skills will be required.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin