What is it like being SPED teacher

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What is it like being SPED teacher

by Alicia

Nov 1, 2016

I could really use some insight if anyone is willing to take the time to answer a few questions. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in teaching and have questions!

I am wondering what the big responsibilties and concerns for a sped teacher are, how many students are you responsible for, how much time do you spend with student and how much time do you spend doing paperwork? How do you evaluate students? what is the most rewarding part of your job? and do you have any advice for me?

in advance I thank you for taking any time helping me out, it means more than you know.

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LB Alicia,

You get out of the job, what you put into it. You'd be surprised how many therapists have come into my spec. ed. room and commented how my students were working, and that I'm not "babysitting".

I will tell you that each spec. ed. room is different because of the different spec. ed. classifications. You may have s...See MoreAlicia,

You get out of the job, what you put into it. You'd be surprised how many therapists have come into my spec. ed. room and commented how my students were working, and that I'm not "babysitting".

I will tell you that each spec. ed. room is different because of the different spec. ed. classifications. You may have students who are high functioning, but cognitively won't be able to compete with gen. ed. You may have students who are mute, like I have, physically impaired, emotionally disturbed (who can get violent - like I have), and those you can't seem to reach for academic progress no matter what you do. One lesson plan does not fit all!

I have 8 students to 2 teacher ratio. I'm the Intervention Teacher and I have a paraprofessional who is great.

I have so many mini groups, and it's lots of work. I have found, however, that I'm able to get more data for my IEP documentation. No matter what you teach them (and it has to connect to your state's standards), always find a way to relate it to how they do or will use it in daily life, particularly for future employment.

Make sure you learn a research based method for reading instruction. Have lots of math manipulatives. Provide opportunities for whole group, small groups, partner, and individual work. Keep them engaged, provide structured routines, with clear and specific expectations. Tell them what you WANT them to do and achieve. If they do anything different, remind them of the expectations. Post expectations in the classroom with pictures. Get used to putting pictures up for their cubby areas, location of supplies, etc. because if you have a child who can't read, they can participate using the pictures/ symbols.

Too much to tell in one email. I wish you were nearby, I'd invite you to my room!

Every class is completely different from the one before. You will never be bored, but will be tired, and internally rewarded.

On 11/01/16, Alicia wrote: > I could really use some insight if anyone is willing to take > the time to answer a few questions. I am currently pursuing > a graduate degree in teaching and have questions! > > I am wondering what the big responsibilties and concerns for > a sped teacher are, how many students are you responsible > for, how much time do you spend with student and how much > time do you spend doing paperwork? How do you evaluate > students? what is the most rewarding part of your job? and > do you have any advice for me? > > in advance I thank you for taking any time helping me out, > it means more than you know.

Nov 2, 2016

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