The Special Education Teacher

        "Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. This process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and community..." - Wikipedia

        That is how special education is defined by Wikipedia. Such heavy words that sounded too complex if it is put into action. That is the job of a special education teacher. A profession that requires more than a Bachelor's degree, but the heart and determination to cause change in the lives of the people they work with. The work of a special education teacher demands utmost patience, persevering determination to help students learn and improve, but not necessarily highly compensated.
   
        In a special school for individuals with developmental disorder and mentally challenged, the number of students in each class may be much less compared to a typical class. The curriculum is individualized and made specifically for each student depending on his needs, capabilities and condition. A typical day in school may begin with chasing a hyperactive student running around. Activities and lessons must be carried out patiently because most students' attention span is short and fleeting and learning may come at a slower pace. Being a special needs educator, one must master the art of pulling students with autism out of their "own world" and redirect attention to the task. They have to be aware of their students' diet as some follow a certain regimen; behavioral peculiarities as to what could initiate meltdown and how to calm them down. Physically, these teachers have to be really strong to bear the slap, tug, pulling of hair as manifestations of some students' aggressive behavior and be quick  to act against self-injurious behavior a student may also have.  Despite the diverse traits and complex conditions special learners may have, it's amazing to see how rapport and respect are established  between them and their teachers. A student may be non-verbal,  low-functioning, with defiant behavior and yet recognizes teachers' authority.

        Of the many positive attributes of a special education teacher, their being tactful is noteworthy. It seems natural for them to be sensitive enough to deal with others and manage to be firm yet kind in terms of action and uttered words in correcting students' misbehavior. They must have loved their job so much. It radiates and translates well into significant improvement that can help individuals with special needs achieve a better life.


Photo Credit:
   Schoolboy & Teacher by Paul Gooddy