I can’t believe I’ve been teaching for 31 years. To say it is rewarding is an understatement. Unless you live it, you can’t really comprehend what it is like. I continue to love being a special education teacher and aim to give parents the tools to fight for their child. The collaboration between school and parents is an absolute must for the success of the child. I have filled the positions of:
A Parent Partner
Teacher
Collaborator
C0-Teacher
Self-Contained Teacher
Resource Teacher
Fighter
I have worn Multiple Hats
Nurse
Mom away from home
A Protector
And many more I can’t think of at this split second
The feelings associated with a special education teacher can be happiness, sadness, anger, feeling proud, amazement and completeness. I wake up every day to a new day in my classroom. Every minute within the behavior classroom is a new opportunity to erase what just happened and move on. Students who love school are happy therefore I can be happy. Students who are sad to come to school because they miss their home and parents or person(s) creates a totally different feeling in the classroom. Students who are angry because they couldn’t bring something to school or woke up late or didn’t get the breakfast they wanted because their bus was late create a different feeling in the same classroom. A child may come to school feeling ill. As a teacher, I need to read all these feelings and “TEACH” accordingly. Did your child learn a lot today? Maybe not. Were they safe and comfortable? Absolutely!!!
I fought for your child today. I needed to remind teachers to look at their IEP and follow their accommodations. There is a field trip coming up. Your child is entitled. I don’t care that you have an observation today. This student belongs in your class. Tension is increased because there is a fine line between General Education Teachers and Special Education Teachers. Don’t get me wrong. I have worked with wonderful general ed teachers who created a safe and happy environment for your child to thrive in. The tension arises because gen ed teachers have their position and special education teachers have theirs. When the roles cross over it creates the unknown. How can a special education teacher teach my class of 20 while I have a small group of 5? The cohesiveness comes from the top. If the school and principal accept “ALL” students, the culture will be so positive. When that doesn’t happen, the teachers are left feeling unsupported which leads to conflict. SPECIAL EDUCATION is NOT A PLACE, but a set of services that provide instruction to students with disabilities that impact their ability to learn. The goal is to help students with disabilities learn. This will look different based on who the child is and how they learn best. Special Education services are free and provided through The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
There are 13 disability categories which qualify a student for special education services which can lead to an IEP. Below is an overview of each category and examples to help clarify their definitions.
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a developmental disability that affects social communication skills and behaviors. Students with ASD may have difficulties with social interactions, communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Example: A student with ASD may struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations, engaging in age-appropriate play, and may benefit from visual supports and structured routines. Students with autism may exhibit increased behaviors because they are unable to express what they feel or need. Communication devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can be used to give a student their independence.
2. Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
A Specific Learning Disability refers to a disorder that affects a student’s ability to acquire and use language, math, or reading skills. Students with SLD may have difficulties with reading, writing, mathematics, or a combination of these areas. They may need individualized instruction and strategies tailored to their learning needs. Example: A student with a specific learning disability may struggle with decoding words, comprehending reading passages, or understanding mathematical concepts. Dyslexia may fall under this category as well. There are many accommodations which a school can use to give students independence and success.
3. Speech or Language Impairment
Speech or Language Impairment refers to a communication disorder that affects a student’s ability to understand or express language. Students with speech or language impairments may have difficulties with articulation, fluency, voice control, or language development. They may benefit from speech therapy and language intervention. Example: A student with a speech or language impairment may struggle with pronouncing certain sounds or articulating their thoughts clearly, resulting in difficulty communicating with peers and adults. Older students may stop communicating because they feel others don’t understand them. I had a middle schooler tell me that she was tired of people asking her to repeat what she said.
4. Emotional Disturbance
Emotional Disturbance refers to a condition that significantly impacts a student’s emotional well-being and behavior, affecting their ability to learn and build positive relationships. Students with emotional disturbances may exhibit characteristics such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, or social withdrawal. They may require counseling, behavior intervention, and emotional support. Example: A student with emotional disturbance may display disruptive behaviors, have difficulty regulating emotions, or struggle with peer interactions due to intense anxiety.
5. Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability refers to significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Students with intellectual disabilities may have challenges with reasoning, problem-solving, social skills, and independent living skills. They may require a specialized curriculum and individualized supports. Example: A student with an intellectual disability may have difficulty grasping abstract concepts, require additional time to master new skills, and need support in daily living activities. Students with this disability can become aggressive because they are being given instruction above their ability level which can lead to behaviors arising.
6. Other Health Impairment
Other Health Impairment refers to a broad category that encompasses various physical or health-related conditions that adversely affect a student’s educational performance. Examples include ADHD, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic health conditions. Students with other health impairments may need accommodations, modifications, and regular monitoring of their health needs. Example: A student with ADHD may struggle with attention, impulsivity, and organization, requiring strategies to support their focus and executive functioning skills. Students with ADHD are a challenge to teachers because they can’t conform to classroom rules including sitting in your seat or being quiet.
7. Orthopedic Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment refers to a physical disability that impacts a student’s ability to move, coordinate, or perform motor tasks. Examples include conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or limb deficiencies. Students with orthopedic impairments may require assistive technology, physical therapy, and accommodations to access the curriculum. Example: A student with cerebral palsy may require mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or crutches, and adaptions to the physical environment, such as accessible entrances and ramps.
8. Visual Impairment
Visual Impairment refers to a condition that significantly affects a student’s vision, ranging from partial sight to blindness. Students with visual impairments may require braille instruction, adaptive technology, and orientation and mobility training to access educational materials and navigate their environment effectively. Example: A student with visual impairment may use braille or large print materials and utilize assistive technology, such as screen readers or magnification devices, to access information.
9. Deafness
Deafness refers to a hearing impairment in which a person’s hearing is severely impaired or absent. Students who are deaf may require sign language interpretation, communication supports, and assistive listening devices to participate in educational activities and communicate effectively. Example: A student who is deaf may rely on American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication and may benefit from captioning or interpreters in the classroom.
10. Deaf-Blindness
Deaf-Blindness refers to a combined hearing and visual impairment that impacts a student’s ability to access information, communicate, and navigate their environment. Students with deaf-blindness may require specialized interventions, augmentative communication methods, and support from trained professionals. Example: A student with deaf-blindness may use tactile signing or braille, and rely on guide dogs or mobility devices for assistance.
11. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injury refers to an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external force, resulting in impairments in cognitive, physical, emotional, or behavioral functioning. Students with TBI may require special education services to address their unique needs and support their recovery and academic progress. A student with a traumatic brain injury may experience memory difficulties, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior, requiring individualized educational strategies and accommodations. I had a concussion 7 years ago from a punch to my temporal lobe from a student and experienced the above for over 6 months. To this day I still struggle with the memory difficulties.
12. Developmental Delay
Developmental Delay refers to a delay in one or more areas of a child’s development. In some cases, children may be eligible for special education services under the developmental delay category until a more specific disability can be diagnosed. Each state defines developmental delay criteria differently. It is a category which often qualifies a preschool aged child.
13. Multiple Disabilities
Multiple Disabilities refer to the presence of two or more disabilities that significantly impact a student’s educational performance. Students with multiple disabilities may require intensive and specialized supports to address their complex needs and promote their educational progress. A student with multiple disabilities may have a combination of physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments. The student may require a multidisciplinary approach, which may include specialized instruction, a physical, occupational or speech therapy and assistive technology.
Some say that there are actually 14 different disabilities. They break out deafness and hearing impairments into different categories.