There is a very apt line saying that –
“Every child can learn,
just not the same day
or the same way.”
Each child has different learning styles and different criteria.
Teaching special education deals with children having a wide variety of mental, social, physical or emotional special needs. It is a very sensitive area that needs dealing with children with utmost care, concern and love. A special educator must have good communication skills, critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, patience and resourceful.
To be a special educator in an inclusive classroom, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and a special education need training which makes you eligible to deal with special children. As this is a very sensitive area it is important to have proper knowledge and techniques and must work with children with care and love.
The basic duty of special educator is as follows-
- Observe and examine children to determine their needs
- Plan and develop Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) for each student
- Plan, develop and execute various activities so that individual needs are met as per their abilities
- After successful execution of IEP, educator need to monitor and track the progress
- Bring variation and creativity within the classroom
- Have a lively classroom and motivate every individual
Special education teachers need to have close contact with counselors, other teachers and parents. We can say that special educators hold a vital position in the life of the child.
After the training, there are ample amount of opportunities available out there which helps you to develop your career and work for the betterment of the special kids.
Some of the areas where you can work after special education training are given below –
Special Educator
People all around the globe have now become more aware and open about the special education and the fact that special learners need special attention. So, the numbers of special education school are growing. You can work in such a school as a special educator, as a classroom teacher. With certain years of experience, you can look for the position of the main teacher in this school.
Assistant Teacher In A Special Education School
There are two teachers in a special education classroom – the main teacher and an assistant teacher. So, you can work as an assistant teacher in a special education school. If you are someone who has newly entered into this dimension then it is always a good idea to start with the assistant teacher. This has many benefits – through observation you get to learn how teachers work with children having special needs, you gain more confidence, you get to know the working of the school and its environment, you develop essential skills, etc. After a certain experience, you can always upgrade yourself to the main teacher.
Classroom Teacher
Nowadays, schools have inclusive classrooms wherein other children sit with the children having special needs, so it is very important for the teacher to be aware of the concept of special education needs. They look for teachers who have SEN knowledge and the background of the special needs. With the appropriate certificate and training, you can work in normal schools. You need to have a proper educational background.
Head Of Department Or Headmaster Of Special Education School
With certain years of experience in the field of special education and upgraded certificates and training, a special educator can think for the post of head of the department or for the position of the headmaster of the school.
Curriculum Developer
There needs to have proper curriculum planning and development for the special education schools. So, with an experience special educator or the headmaster of the school, you can look forward and be into curriculum development. This of course requires a lot of knowledge of this area.
Work in NGO
Teachers who have a special interest in the field of social work and social service can think of something like NGO’s to work with.
There are many areas you can work in and explore the various dimensions. There is a lot of things that the field of special education can offer you to learn and grow. A special educator should have patience, creativity, dedication and love for children. Hard work, learning and new experiences go hand in hand when it comes to teaching special education. Teacher’s get to learn a lot of things in their daily life as there are a lot of challenges coming up every day.
Written By : Rutuja
