http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/effectively-dealing-with-special-education-students/ Providing HOPE for educators since 2007 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:59:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/effectively-dealing-with-special-education-students/#comment-5097 Tom Anselm Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:50:36 +0000 http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/?p=1313#comment-5097 I have been in that game for around 30 plus years, and the thing that strikes me most is that even though kids are labeled, they all have the same right to as much education as they can handle. Of course, since this is a matter of degree, that could go anywhere to learning to sit on a toilet to calculating a physics problem. It depends on the type and extent of the disability. That is also what makes this business so fascinating, since being a Special Educator can be so many things. I have had the good fortune to have worked with kids at both extremes, and can't say I like or dislike one more than the other. They each have their positives and negatives. But the truth is I have been able to feel that someone has had a better way to go because of my small help through a day, a better way to write a story, a new method for putting their shoelaces together, or even a more efficient means of bringing the spoon up to the mouth. So I recommend special education, if for nothing else than the vast opportunity to get with so many different kids over ones career. I have been in that game for around 30 plus years, and the thing that strikes me most is that even though kids are labeled, they all have the same right to as much education as they can handle. Of course, since this is a matter of degree, that could go anywhere to learning to sit on a toilet to calculating a physics problem. It depends on the type and extent of the disability. That is also what makes this business so fascinating, since being a Special Educator can be so many things. I have had the good fortune to have worked with kids at both extremes, and can’t say I like or dislike one more than the other. They each have their positives and negatives. But the truth is I have been able to feel that someone has had a better way to go because of my small help through a day, a better way to write a story, a new method for putting their shoelaces together, or even a more efficient means of bringing the spoon up to the mouth.
So I recommend special education, if for nothing else than the vast opportunity to get with so many different kids over ones career.

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]]> http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/effectively-dealing-with-special-education-students/#comment-5050 Miss Cal.Q.L8 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:40:02 +0000 http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/?p=1313#comment-5050 I've only had the opportunity to sub for a special ed class during meetings and such but the thing I think makes a huge difference is caring about the students and having high expectations. High expectations doesn't mean out of their reach, but high for what they are capable of doing. Always expect them to do well. Another thing I see in a certain teacher is that they degrade their students' abilities in front of them and treat like they are lazy. Now I know what tough love is, but I don't think this is the same. Taking a interest in who they are and what's going on in their life makes a huge difference no matter the needs of the student. I’ve only had the opportunity to sub for a special ed class during meetings and such but the thing I think makes a huge difference is caring about the students and having high expectations. High expectations doesn’t mean out of their reach, but high for what they are capable of doing. Always expect them to do well. Another thing I see in a certain teacher is that they degrade their students’ abilities in front of them and treat like they are lazy. Now I know what tough love is, but I don’t think this is the same. Taking a interest in who they are and what’s going on in their life makes a huge difference no matter the needs of the student.

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]]> http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/effectively-dealing-with-special-education-students/#comment-4988 Kelly Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:08:39 +0000 http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/?p=1313#comment-4988 I teach children with autism and Aspbergers and would be more than happy to answer any questions. My email is kelly.s.johns@gmail.com. I teach children with autism and Aspbergers and would be more than happy to answer any questions. My email is kelly.s.johns@gmail.com.

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]]> http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/effectively-dealing-with-special-education-students/#comment-4962 Pat Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:43:55 +0000 http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/?p=1313#comment-4962 I have taught special ed for about 30 years and I don't think one strategy works above others. I think you need to look at the individual student's needs and teach to that. Investigate with the student to find out strategies that help the student be successful. I really believe in Universal Design for Learning and Project Based Learning. There are lots of good strategies out there but it all depends on the student. If the students feel the lesson is relevant to their lives, they will complete the lessons appropriately. I have taught special ed for about 30 years and I don’t think one strategy works above others. I think you need to look at the individual student’s needs and teach to that. Investigate with the student to find out strategies that help the student be successful. I really believe in Universal Design for Learning and Project Based Learning. There are lots of good strategies out there but it all depends on the student. If the students feel the lesson is relevant to their lives, they will complete the lessons appropriately.

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