What special education teachers do?
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Their primary role is to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student, which outline their specific learning needs and goals. Some of the tasks that special education teachers may perform include:
- Assessing students' abilities and learning needs: Special education teachers use a variety of assessment tools to determine each student's strengths and areas where they need additional support.
- Developing and implementing IEPs: Special education teachers work with parents, other teachers, and related service providers to develop and implement individualized education plans for each student. These plans outline the specific goals and objectives for each student and detail the accommodations and modifications needed to help the student succeed.
- Providing specialized instruction: Special education teachers provide specialized instruction that is tailored to each student's learning needs. They may use different teaching strategies and materials to help students learn, such as visual aids, manipulatives, or assistive technology.
- Collaborating with other professionals: Special education teachers often work closely with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists, to provide a comprehensive education plan for each student.
- Monitoring student progress: Special education teachers track each student's progress and make adjustments to their instruction as needed. They also communicate regularly with parents and other teachers to keep them informed about the student's progress.
- Providing emotional and behavioral support: Special education teachers may also provide emotional and behavioral support to students who are struggling with mental health issues or behavioral challenges.
