Defining and Understanding Special Education – The Roles and Responsibilities of the Special Educator (2023)

This chapter is a concise overview of Special Education. Specific IDEA citations are included to reinforce the importance of each aspect of “Special Education” entitlement for school age students with a disability. Throughout your program of studies towards special education teacher certification, you will explore these subtopics in depth.

Table of Contents

  • Where “special education” is defined in IDEA
  • Key points about “special education”
  • IDEA’s Exact Words
  • Adaptations and Modifications
  • Where is special education provided?
  • The Long Story on Special Education
  • What does “specially designed Instruction” mean?
  • What’s peer-reviewed research?
  • The role of states

Key Takeaway

Special education is not a place, however. It’s a set of services, which includes adapting instruction (what’s presented, how it’s presented) to address the unique needs of the child that result from the disability.

Excerpts from the Center for Parent Information and Resources (6.27.2020). Key Definitions in IDEA| Defining and Understanding Special Education, Newark, NJ, Author (2017)

Special Education

Importance of This Key Term| As the OSEPDear Colleague Letter on FAPEindicates, special education is at the core of how schools address the needs of students with disabilities and support them in achieving the annual goals stated in their IEPs as aligned with the state’s academic content standards. Accordingly, how this term is defined in law and implemented in the real world is extremely important to students, families, schools, and Parent Centers.

Where “special education” is defined in IDEA| IDEA defines “special education” at 34 CFR §300.39, as follows:

§300.39 Special education.

(a)General. (1) Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including—

(i) Instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and

(ii) Instruction in physical education.

(2) Special education includes each of the following, if the services otherwise meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section—

(i) Speech-language pathology services, or any other related service, if the service is considered special education rather than a related service under State standards;

(ii) Travel training; and

(iii) Vocational education.

(b)Individual special education terms defined.The terms in this definition are defined as follows:

(Video) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of special education teachers

(1)At no costmeans that all specially-designed instruction is provided without charge, but does not preclude incidental fees that are normally charged to nondisabled students or their parents as a part of the regular education program.

(2)Physical educationmeans—

(i) The development of—

(A) Physical and motor fitness;

(B) Fundamental motor skills and patterns; and

(C) Skills in aquatics, dance, and individual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports); and

(ii) Includes special physical education, adapted physical education, movement education, and motor development.

(3)Specially designed instructionmeans adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction—

(i) To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability; and

(ii) To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children.

(4)Travel trainingmeans providing instruction, as appropriate, to children with significant cognitive disabilities, and any other children with disabilities who require this instruction, to enable them to—

(i) Develop an awareness of the environment in which they live; and

(ii) Learn the skills necessary to move effectively and safely from place to place within that environment (e.g., in school, in the home, at work, and in the community).

(5)Vocational educationmeans organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment, or for additional preparation for a career not requiring a baccalaureate or advanced degree.

Key points about “special education”| When you read theDear Colleague Letter on FAPE, you’ll notice that there are several points made about the nature of “special education.” These include that:

Special education is instruction that isspecially designedto meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. The hallmark of special education is that it is individualized for student needs.

Special education is providedat no costto parents or students.

Special education can be provided in different locations, depending on student needs. IDEA strongly prefers that students receive their special education servicesin the general education classroomwith their nondisabled peers, as you can see by itsLRE provisions.

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Special education isnot a place, however. It’s aset of services, which includesadapting instruction(what’s presented, how it’s presented) to address the unique needs of the child that result from the disability.

Special education isn’t separated from the academic content that students are supposed to learn for their grade. It’s meant tosupportthe learning of that academic content. That’s why IDEA emphasizes that special education needs to ensure that students with disabilities haveaccess to the general curriculumthat all students are expected to learn. And that’s why theDear Colleague Letter on FAPEstresses the importance of aligning a student’s goals in the IEP to the academic content for that student’s enrolled grade.

Excerpts from the Center for Parent Information and Resources (6.27.2020). Special Education, Newark, NJ, Author (2017)

IDEA’s Exact Words

.

It’s helpful to see IDEA’s full requirement for specifying a child’s special education in his or her IEP. This appears at §300.320(a)

(4) and stipulates that each child’s IEP must contain:

(4) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child—

(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;

(ii) To be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and

(iii) To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section… [§300.320(a)(4)] In its entirety, this provision is the heart and soul, meat and potatoes, bricks and mortar (choose your analogy!) of the IEP. When taken off paper and operationalized in school, it becomes the education that a child with a disability receives. The part we’ve put in bold is the focus of this article, but you’ll want to read the next two articles as well, so you can integrate the information here about special education with what’s presented separately about related services and supplementary aids and services.

Special Education, in Brief

Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.This means education that is individually developed to address aspecificchild’s needs that result from his or her disability. Since each child is unique, it is difficult to give an overall example of special education. It is individualized for each child.

Some students may be working at the pre-kindergarten grade level, others at the first, second, or third grade level. There may be students whose special education focuses primarily on speech and language development, cognitive development, or needs related to a physical or learning disability. Special education for any student can consist of:

  • an individualized curriculum that isdifferentfrom that of same-age, nondisabled peers (for example, teaching a blind student to read and write using Braille);
  • thesame(general) curriculum as that for nondisabled peers, with adaptations or modifications made for the student (for example, teaching 3rd grade math but including the use of counting tools and assistive technology for the student); and
  • a combination of these elements.

It is also important to remember that the education, services, and supports outlined in a child’s IEP do not necessarily cover that child’sentireeducation.The IEP only addresses those educational needs resulting from the child’s disability.If a child needs special education support throughout the school day, for all activities, the IEP will cover all these needs. If the child doesn’t need special education support in one or more areas (for example, physical education, music, or science), then the IEP will not include these subjects. The child accesses them through the general curriculum/ class, with no additional special education services.

Adaptations and Modifications

The individualization of instruction is an important part of special education. Instruction and schoolwork are tailored to the needs of the child. Sometimes a student may need to have changes made in class work or routines because of his or her disability. Modifications can be made to:

  • whata child is taught, and/or
  • howa child works at school.

Sometimes people get confused about what it means to have amodificationand what it means to have anaccommodation. Usually amodificationmeans achange in what is being taught to or expected from the student. Making an assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a modification. Anaccommodationis a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability. Allowing a student who has trouble writing to give his answers orally is an example of an accommodation. This student is still expected to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students, but he doesn’t have to write his answers to show that he knows the information.

What is most important to know about modifications and accommodations is that both are meant to help a child to learn. For example:

Jack is an 8th grade student who has learning disabilities in reading and writing. He is in a regular 8th grade class that is team-taught by a general education teacher and a special education teacher. Modifications and accommodations provided for Jack’s daily school routine (and when he takes state or district-wide tests) include the following:

    1. Jack will have shorter reading and writing assignments.
    2. Jack’s textbooks will be based upon the 8th grade curriculum but at his independent reading level (4th grade).
    3. Jack will have test questions read/explained to him, when he asks.

Modifications or accommodations are most often made in the following areas:

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Scheduling. For example:

  • giving the student extra time to complete assignments or tests
  • breaking up testing over several days

Setting. For example:

  • working in a small group
  • working one-on-one with the teacher

Materials. For example:

  • providing audiotaped lectures or books
  • giving copies of teacher’s lecture notes
  • using large print books, Braille, or books on CD (digital text)

Instruction. For example:

  • reducing the difficulty of assignments
  • reducing the reading level
  • using a student/peer tutor

StudentResponse. For example:

  • allowing answers to be given orally or dictated
  • using a word processor for written work
  • using sign language, a communication device, Braille, or native language if it is not English.

Where is special education provided?

Special education instruction can be provided in a number of settings, such as: in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings (§300.26). Schools must ensure that acontinuum of alternative placementsis available to meet the needs of children with disabilities. This continuum must include the placements just mentioned (instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions). Unless a child’s IEP requires some other arrangement, the child must be educated in the school he or she would attend if he or she did not have a disability [§300.116(c)].

Special education instruction must be provided to students with disabilities in what is known as theleast restrictive environment, or LRE. IDEA includes provisions that ensure that children with disabilities are educated with nondisabled children, to the maximum extent appropriate. Each state must also ensure that special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily [§300.114(a)(2)(ii)].

The Long Story on Special Education

Of course, there’s much more to special education than the short summary above. For those of you that want the nitty-gritty, detailed, full picture of special education, here it comes. Keep reading.

Defining special education

Special education.Sometimes, when the term is used, it means “special education” as defined by IDEA at §300.39, and other times it’s a reference to the field at large—teachers, offices, knowledge base, professional practice, the system.

However, when IDEA uses the term, its meaning isnevermixed or ambiguous. Every single time “special education” is used in the law and the final Part B regulations, its meaning is the same—the definition below.

§300.39 Special education.

(a)General. (1)Special educationmeans specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including—

(i) Instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and

(ii) Instruction in physical education.

(2)Special educationincludes each of the following, if the services otherwise meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section—

(i) Speech-language pathology services, or any other related service, if the service is considered special education rather than a related service under State standards;

(ii) Travel training; and

(iii) Vocational education.

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And that’s just the “general” part of the definition! The next part is called “individual special education terms defined,” where the definition goes on to define:

  • at no cost;
  • physical education;
  • specially designed instruction;
  • travel training; and
  • vocational education.

Happily, the 20 opening words of special education’s definition—specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability—contain thecoreof the term’s meaning. You’ll see we’ve used those 20 words in the short story of special education. The 362 other words in the definition (which includes the definitions of the individual terms), while still very critical, add detail to that core and further clarify it.

When an abbreviated definition of the termspecial educationis called for, you’re most likely to hear its core: “Special education is specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.

In the definition’s full form, examples roll out and take away gray areas about the some of the scope and substance of special education. Special education can be, for example:

  • travel training (which has its own definition);
  • vocational education (also defined on its own); and
  • services that may be listed in IDEA as a related service but that a state may consider as special education—which makes them “special education” in that state.

As you can see from IDEA’s definition of special education, it can also occur in a variety of settings: in the classroom, in a home, in a hospital or institution, and in other settings. This is why you might also hear that “special education is not a place.” It’s not.Whereit is provided for a specific child with a disability will depend on that child’s unique needs as determined by the group of individuals (which includes the parents) that makes the placement decision.

So what does “specially designed instruction” mean?

Given the importance of “specially designed instruction” in the core of special education’s definition, it’s useful to take a closer look at howthatterm is defined:

(3)Specially designed instructionmeans adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction—

(i) To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability; and

(ii) To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children. [§300.39(b)(3)]

Thus, as part of designing the instruction to fit the needs of a specific child, adaptations may be made in the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction. This is a strong point of pride within the special education field and a considerable accomplishment that’s come from 30 years of practice: the individualization of instruction.

As the provisions above show, adaptations can take many forms in response to the child’s needs; the field is replete with guidance on this critical part of special education.

What’s peer-reviewed research?

Time for another definition–not more from “special education” but, rather, from where this article began–the statement of special education that’s required in the IEP. If you look back up, you’ll see that the special education a child receives must be “based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable” [§300.320(a)(4)]. What might that mean?

With the passage of the 2004 Amendments to IDEA, some new terms and concepts became part of the IEP process. One such is peer-reviewed research. The term is not formally defined in the IDEA, but the Department of Education’s discussion in the Analysis of Comments and Changes may be helpful in understanding the term’s general meaning and why no formal definition was included in the regulations:

Peer-reviewed research” generally refers to research that is reviewed by qualified and independent reviewers to ensure that the quality of the information meets the standards of the field before the research is published. However, there is no single definition of “peer reviewed research”’ because the review process varies depending on the type of information to be reviewed. (71 Fed. Reg. at 46664)

The term is used in conjunction with the phrase “to the extent practicable.” To better understand what this means and how IEP teams are to apply peer-reviewed research in their selection of services to be provided to a child with a disability, you may find the Department of Education’s comments helpful.

States, school districts, and school personnel must…select and use methods that research has shown to be effective, to the extent that methods based on peer-reviewed research are available. This does not mean that the service with the greatest body of research is the service necessarily required for a child to receive FAPE. Likewise, there is nothing in the Act to suggest that the failure of a public agency to provide services based on peer-reviewed research would automatically result in a denial of FAPE. The final decision about the special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services that are to be provided to a child must be made by the child’s IEP Team based on the child’s individual needs. (71 Fed. Reg. at 46665)

The role of states in determining what special education is

This discussion of special education as a term brings to mind how it is also aprocess, asystem. IDEA may define the term and establish rigorous standards for its implementation, but how special education unfolds in schools is very much a state and local matter. Education is traditionally a state responsibility, with each state vested with the authority to determine its own policies within the parameters of federal requirements. This is one reason whyit’s so critical to know your state’s specific special education policiesand requirements.

So—–where to look for that information?

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The best place is to connect with the agency responsible in your state for overseeing special education in the state. That is most likely your state’s Department of Education—or Department of Special Education. Names will vary from state to state, of course.

Reference

Center for Parent Information and Resources (6.27.2020). Key Definitions in IDEA| Defining and Understanding Special Education, Newark, NJ, Author (2017)

FAQs

What are the 3 most important roles of a special education teacher? ›

The three most important roles of a special education teacher are being a resource, support, and mentor to their students. Special education teachers have a big impact on their students, and it is important to understand the nuances of the roles that a teacher fills to be successful within the role.

What is the best definition for special education? ›

Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This means education that is individually developed to address a specific child's needs that result from his or her disability.

What are the ethical responsibilities of special education teachers? ›

Special Education Professional Ethical Principles

Maintaining challenging expectations for individuals with exceptionalities to develop the highest possible learning outcomes and quality of life potential in ways that respect their dignity, culture, language, and background.

How do the roles of the special education and general education teacher differ when it comes to providing services to a student? ›

Teacher Roles

The general education teacher usually focuses on the curriculum and instruction while the special education teacher helps adapt and modify both. However, both teachers work together to create daily routines, promote lesson flow, and manage the students in the classroom.

What are the main teacher responsibilities that all educators have? ›

Develops, plans, and implements curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for student audiences within areas of expertise. Advises, tests, and teaches students audiences in a variety of academic subjects. Presents and reinforces learning concepts within a specified subject or subject area.

What is the meaning of special educator? ›

Special educator means a person trained in communication with children with disabilities in a way that addresses the child's individual abilities and needs, which include challenges with learning and communication, emotional and behavioral issues, physical disabilities, and developmental issues.

What is the role of special education? ›

The special educator ensures the involvement of parents of students with additional requisites in the educational processes of their children. The special educator collaborates closely with teachers, other professionals and administrators to foster the teaching and learning of students with additional requisites.

What is the main goal of special education? ›

Special education shall aim to develop the maximum potential of the child with special needs to enable him to become self-reliant and shall be geared towards providing him with the opportunities for a full and happy life.

What is special education purpose? ›

Special education is designed to ensure that students with disabilities are provided with an environment that allows them to be educated effectively.

What are the roles and responsibilities of active professionals involved in special education? ›

Special education professionals are responsible for complying with state and federal law regarding the treatment and well-being of people with disabilities and their education, such as the IDEA, ADA, and FERPA; creating individualized educational plans; and following ethical guidelines.

What is the role of the special education teacher in an inclusion classroom? ›

The inclusion teacher focus is on scaffolding activities and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students, not just the special education students. Provide direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co-teaching models and strategies.

Why is it important to understand special education professional ethical principles in the classroom? ›

Special educators are committed to upholding professional ethics and standards in their classroom. The CEC Code of Ethics ensures that the diverse characteristics of individuals with disabilities and their families are respected on a daily basis.

What is the most important role performed by the special education teacher? ›

Special education teachers typically do the following: Assess students' skills and determine their educational needs. Adapt general lessons to meet students' needs. Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student.

What are the roles of special education teacher in the education of children with special needs? ›

Special education teachers adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities, but also may teach basic skills to students with disabilities that are more severe.

What are 5 key responsibilities of an educator? ›

In this article, we would like to share the five main responsibilities and obligations of a childcare educator.
  • Build a trustable relationship with the Child. ...
  • Ensure Holistic Learning. ...
  • Prepare the Environment. ...
  • Assess the child's learning. ...
  • An Educator Must Ensure Ongoing Learning and Self-Development.
Feb 19, 2021

What are 5 responsibilities of a teacher? ›

And by the end, you'll be able to enhance the quality of education you deliver to the students.
  • Mentor. During the formative years of students, teachers play the role of a mentor. ...
  • Mediator. ...
  • Resource House. ...
  • Morale Booster and Motivator. ...
  • Demonstrator. ...
  • Continuous Learner. ...
  • A Good Listener. ...
  • Participant.
Aug 18, 2022

What should the teacher's role and responsibility be? ›

A teacher is responsible for preparing lesson plans and educating students at all levels. Their duties include assigning homework, grading tests, and documenting progress. Teachers must be able to instruct in a variety of subjects and reach students with engaging lesson plans.

What makes a great special education teacher? ›

Special education teachers should always motivate their students and appreciate every achievement of the students. They should always look at the problems from a student's perspective to remain calm and optimistic. The teacher's dedication to the betterment of the students serves as a huge confidence builder for them.

How can a special education teacher make a difference? ›

They work individually with each student and everybody involved in the student's education to create a plan, unique to that student's needs, to help them be successful in the classroom.

What are the qualities of special teacher? ›

Skills of Special Education Teachers
  • Organization. The teacher, as well as the classroom, must be organized. ...
  • Creativity. ...
  • Highly intuitive. ...
  • Calming nature. ...
  • Detail-oriented. ...
  • Deadline-oriented. ...
  • Adaptability. ...
  • Even tempered.
Jul 23, 2019

What are the four major goals of special education? ›

The Four Goals of Early Childhood Special Education
  • Intellectual Development. Cognitive or intellectual development is one of the biggest goals of early childhood special education. ...
  • Physical Development. ...
  • Emotional Development. ...
  • Social Development.

What are the three big ideas of special education? ›

Big Ideas in Special Education: Specially Designed Instruction, High-Leverage Practices, Explicit Instruction, and Intensive Instruction.

What is a professional goal for a special education teacher? ›

A special education teacher's goal should be to help every student succeed. One way to do this is by tracking a student's progress. This can be done with resources such as a learning management system (LMS) or an individualized education program (IEP).

What is the role of a special education teacher on a multidisciplinary team? ›

The special education teacher often serves as the team's leader, scheduling and conducting necessary meetings. The parent or guardian's role is to be the student's advocate, with other members providing insight and advice based on their interactions with the student.

Which of the following are responsibilities of an education specialist? ›

Educational specialists evaluate and provide recommendations to improve curriculum planning, individual lessons and teaching methods at one or more grade levels. They also help coordinate and communicate expectations and progress among students' parents/guardians, guidance counselors and teachers.

What are the roles and responsibilities in education and training? ›

The teacher and trainer role should be to teach or train your subject in a way which actively involve and engage the learners in every session. It's not just about teaching and training, It's about the learning that take place as a result. The key to be an affective teacher or trainer is planning.

What should the teacher do teaching in special education? ›

The job of a special education teacher includes assisting general education teachers in identifying and assessing children who may have disabilities or special needs. They then adjust lessons to fit the needs of each individual child as part of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

What is the most important thing for me to learn in special education and inclusive education? ›

The key to inclusive special education programs is understanding and accepting students for who they are. This means not just helping them overcome their weaknesses but assisting them in finding and developing their talents too.

What is the role of sped teachers in maintaining confidentiality in special education? ›

The most important aspect of ethical practice is maintaining confidentiality regarding the students and families. All school staff are required by law to keep student and family information private. Information regarding the student should only be shared with teachers and staff who work directly with the student.

What is the role of ethics as the basis in teaching values education? ›

Among the main aims of ethics and values education are the following: to stimulate ethical reflection, awareness, autonomy, responsibility, and compassion in children, to provide children with insight into important ethical principles and values, equip them with intellectual capacities (﴾critical thinking, reflection, ...

Why is it so important to teach ethics and values and what kind of ethics and values? ›

Ethical discussions not only expose students to contrasting ethical opinions, they also provide an opportunity to understand the reasons behind the differences. As a result, students are able to expand their understanding of ethics, sometimes even altering their own values and ethical decision-making process.

How important is the role of early childhood special educator? ›

An early childhood special educator is responsible for creating an individual education plan for a child with developmental delays. This plan addresses the specific learning challenges of a child and incorporates the advice of other professionals who are working with the student.

What is the important role the teachers play in the assessment process for special education? ›

The special education teacher's role as a team member is to consider the student's strengths and needs based on assessment information and work collaboratively with the entire team to design an educational plan that, when implemented, will produce maximum benefit for the student.

What are the roles and responsibilities of teachers provide brief and specific examples? ›

Develops, plans, and implements curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for student audiences within areas of expertise. Advises, tests, and teaches students audiences in a variety of academic subjects. Presents and reinforces learning concepts within a specified subject or subject area.

What teachers can do to help children with special needs? ›

Successful Strategies for Teaching and Supporting Students with Disabilities
  • Lean on others. ...
  • Stay organized. ...
  • Don't reinvent the wheel. ...
  • Know that each student is unique. ...
  • Keep instructions simple. ...
  • Embrace advocacy. ...
  • Create opportunities for success. ...
  • Don't feel pressure to be perfect.

What are 3 responsibilities of a teacher? ›

And by the end, you'll be able to enhance the quality of education you deliver to the students.
  • Mentor. During the formative years of students, teachers play the role of a mentor. ...
  • Mediator. ...
  • Resource House. ...
  • Morale Booster and Motivator. ...
  • Demonstrator. ...
  • Continuous Learner. ...
  • A Good Listener. ...
  • Participant.
Aug 18, 2022

What are the 3 functions of the teacher? ›

The primary roles of a teacher are:
  • Providing mentorship. ...
  • Inspiring learners. ...
  • Nurturing healthy curiosity in learners. ...
  • Creating meaningful learning experiences. ...
  • Leveraging technology to support learning. ...
  • Mediating and liaising. ...
  • Researching learning strategies.

What is the role of special education teacher in special education? ›

The special educator ensures the involvement of parents of students with additional requisites in the educational processes of their children. The special educator collaborates closely with teachers, other professionals and administrators to foster the teaching and learning of students with additional requisites.

What is the most important thing for you as a teacher to learn in special education? ›

The key to inclusive special education programs is understanding and accepting students for who they are. This means not just helping them overcome their weaknesses but assisting them in finding and developing their talents too.

What should be teachers roles and responsibilities? ›

The responsibilities of a teacher
  • Planning and preparing lessons. ...
  • Encouraging student participation. ...
  • Researching and developing new teaching materials. ...
  • Research and implementing new teaching methods. ...
  • Marking student work and recording performance. ...
  • Setting assessments and overseeing examinations.
Aug 27, 2021

How the responsibility of a teachers are defined? ›

The primary role of a teacher is to deliver classroom instruction that helps students learn. To accomplish this, teachers must prepare effective lessons, grade student work and offer feedback, manage classroom materials, productively navigate the curriculum, and collaborate with other staff.

What are the 7 roles of an educator? ›

1) Assessor2) Learning mediator3) Interpreter and designer of learning programmes and materials4) Leader, administrator and manager5) Scholar, researcher and lifelong learner6) Community, citizenship and pastoral role7) Learning area/subject/discipline/phase specialist1.2demonstrate these roles in your classroom1) ...

What is the most important responsibility of a teacher? ›

The role of a teacher is to inspire, motivate, encourage and educate learners. Learners can be of any age and from any background. However, for the purposes of this guide, teachers refer to those who educate young people of school age (roughly 4-18). Teachers serve many roles within a school environment.

What are the responsibilities of a teacher towards students? ›

Teachers assess students' nature, observe their interests, encourage them to reach their full potential, and inspire them to give their best. A modern teacher is expected to encourage students, provide suggestions, and empathize with them.

What is the role of special education for children with special needs? ›

Special education serves children with emotional, behavioral, or cognitive impairments or with intellectual, hearing, vision, speech, or learning disabilities; gifted children with advanced academic abilities; and children with orthopedic or neurological impairments.

What are the four goals of the special education teachers? ›

The Four Goals of Early Childhood Special Education
  • Intellectual Development. Cognitive or intellectual development is one of the biggest goals of early childhood special education. ...
  • Physical Development. ...
  • Emotional Development. ...
  • Social Development.

Why are special educators so important? ›

Special education teachers are uniquely trained to support the learning needs of students with disabilities and to ensure their educational, behavioral, social, and emotional success.

What is the best way to teach special education students? ›

6 Strategies for Teaching Special Education Classes
  1. Form small groups. ...
  2. Create classroom centers. ...
  3. Blend 'the Basics' with more specialized instruction. ...
  4. Rotate lessons. ...
  5. Try thematic instruction. ...
  6. Provide different levels of books and materials.
Dec 9, 2020

How do you teach special education students effectively? ›

Effective Teaching Strategies for Special Education
  1. Set clear expectations for all students.
  2. Break assignments into smaller pieces to work on in short time periods.
  3. Space breaks between assignments so students can refocus on their tasks.
  4. Share ideas with parents so they can help with homework.
Apr 6, 2018

How do you teach students with special learning needs? ›

General interventions
  1. Show, demonstrate and model.
  2. Utilize multisensory learning.
  3. Break information down into smaller units.
  4. Utilise peer tutoring and cooperative learning.
  5. Use a developmentally appropriate approach.
  6. Make information as concrete as possible.
  7. Provide a small group of instructions.

Videos

1. Introduction to Special Education Assessments
(Learning Rights Law Center)
2. Role of Special Educator/role of teacher useful for D.Ed B.ed M.ed DSSSB KVS NVS & competitive exams
(DH Classes)
3. Top 18 Physical Education Teacher Interview Question and Answers in 2023
(ProjectPractical)
4. Small Group Rotations with Moderate/Severe Special Education Students
(SanBdoCitySchools)
5. Special Ed Teacher Interview Questions and Tips for Success
(Noodle Nook)
6. Special Education Teaching Strategies
(Teachings in Education)
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