What's it Like to Work in Special Education?
by H. Staples
Career School Directory Columnist
August 13, 2007
Jeannine Cole has a B.S. in special education with emphasis on retardation and educational psychology, an M.A. in special education focusing on emotionally handicapped children, national certification in school psychology, and 60 additional hours of post graduate study. She has worked in the public school system as a special education teacher for 20 years. She explains how working in special education differs from other education careers, and elaborates on the unique challenges and rewards of her chosen field.
CSD: What's a typical day in a special education classroom?
It's difficult to describe a typical day. A structure is in place that consists of rules and expectations. This provides consistency, feelings of security for the children, and order. What works with one child may be very different from what works with another child, and this is subject to change. What works today may not work tomorrow.
One in 10 American children is afflicted with an emotional disturbance such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, or anxiety. How can you help?
CSD: What is the most rewarding part of teaching special education?
You may possibly at some point in time make a positive difference in the life and direction of a child. Advocacy is often not a particularly popular position, however, and requires a willingness to stand alone.
CSD: What is the biggest challenge?
It's a challenge to develop the knowledge and skills required to meet the individual needs of the children, and it's not easy to maintain an emotional balance and objectivity in adverse conditions.
CSD: Why did you go into special education?
I was required as an undergraduate student to complete a student teaching practicum in special education. My interest and orientation were in the field of research in educational psychology, and I had no interest in teaching. My first day observing a self-contained special education classroom changed my direction. I was hooked.
In 2002, the U.S. government performed the first comprehensive study of the nation's public and private mental health service delivery systems in nearly 25 years.
CSD: Have you worked with any especially interesting children?
The kids with the strongest wills to survive are the ones that come to my mind first. Following those children, my memories fall to those who were defeated at a very young age.
CSD: What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Learn all you can about your particular area of expertise. Getting a degree or certification is just the beginning on the path of knowledge to serve the children--and good luck!
Source
Learn more about Education Degrees and programs.
About the Author
H.L. Staples teaches at Syracuse University. Her articles have appeared in The Boston Review, Denver Quarterly, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere.
More Articles:
A Successful Career in Television and Radio BroadcastingCulinary Arts Degree Helps Personal Chef Find Recipe for Success
|
