Sunday, September 14, 2008
Kay Portmess
I am also taking the unconventional route to become a special education teacher. As a para educator there is only so much I can do to help the children I work with. I knew I wanted to work in the school system and working in special education seemed to be the most rewarding. I have also received some negative comments and questions about entering into this cohort. People mention the paper work, the difficult parents the difficult children in special education. At times the statements of others make me question if I am doing the right thing and since beginning these classes I have been a little overwhelmed with all I do not know. Putting my focus on the children instead of all the problems associated with special education reminds me I have chosen something I have wanted to do for a long time. The good thing is I am now in the process of accomplishing my goal. I will be taught what I need to know (I hope) and there is help along the way.
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5 comments:
Ms. Portmess, I think you shouldn't worry about much Special Education. I think do what is supposed to be done when you cross the bridge. For now, learning the theories is just like guidelines to be successful in classroom management. Although, at times, the parents who are proactive on the child's education might sometimes be too much; I think you can handle everything very well. Just keep in mind of all the pros and cons in Special Education. Also remember that your Department head is the best person to ask for help.
M. Villanueva
MaryLou is right. But also don't be afraid to ask for help. I think that that has been my biggest mistake so far (and I am still struggling with it). I know that it sounds stupid, but ask and you shall receive. Also, someone said to me not long ago, special ed at the high school level you can only do so much because a lot of the students are so far behind that you must celebrate the little things that they learn and maybe the bigger things will come, but maybe not. Just don't be disappointed if the students fail. This is NOT a reflection on you as a person or as a teacher
I am also taking the unconventional route to become a special education teacher. Years ago, I worked in another county for a special education summer program, and that's when I decided that I would enjoy working with special children. I hear negative and positive comments. When I hear about regular education teachers who don't want to teach special needs children in their classroom or overwhelmed special education teachers describing the amount of paper work involved, it seems very stressful. It would be great to hear stories from regular and special education teachers about what is really working well with regards to the enjoyment of teaching and the exciting learning activities in the classroom. In this day and time, behavior issues seem to be a major concern in most schools while teacher accountability and responsibility has increased with the No Child Left Behind legislation. I want to continue working toward my goal; an excellent mentor would be very helpful.
Marie Mackrell
Your department head should be your best resource. I still ask a ton of questions from my mentor (she also is my department head). I am still learning the ropes. Our department head has had many, many years of experience. She always has a helpful suggestion. I try to always ask questions. It is the best way for me to learn.
Adrienne M.
This comment does not address the issue presented directly. I am acually responding to a comment made by M. Villanueva regarding proactive parents. I can see how a some parents can be too much, usually on the elementary level. How often do you find that in the secondary level? Unlike elementary students, middle- and high-schoolers have several teachers throughout the day. Are there still parents who go around to all the teachers in an attempt to facilitiate the child's education?
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