# data[].attributes.body
"I am less in favor of inclusion for core subjects.  All kids benefit from direct instruction and learning at their own pace.  That is what my room allows kids."

# data[].attributes.body
"These students cannot master the general education curriculum so I have to design a completely individual plan for each one of them. That is really fun as I get to be very creative."

# data[].attributes.headline
What are some challenges you face in teaching special needs children?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some challenges you face in teaching special needs children?

# data[].attributes.body
"Time is my biggest challenge...There is no planning time so I am putting in 10 or more hours a day just to get the daily stuff finished...Finding time to collaborate with general education teachers or my peers on the IEP team is very difficult, but needs to happen. It is also difficult to group students when their needs are so varied. However, with the number of kids I have now, grouping is necessary."

# data[].attributes.headline
Can you recall your ideas about teaching when you were a teacher education student like me?

# data[].attributes.subject
Can you recall your ideas about teaching when you were a teacher education student like me?

# data[].attributes.headline
What are some rewards in teaching special needs children?  

# data[].attributes.subject
What are some rewards in teaching special needs children?  

# data[].attributes.body
"I have taught special education for 34 years."

# data[].attributes.body
"I grew up with special needs children and have always found them engaging and often misunderstood by others. It was when I was doing a Social Welfare practicum as an under graduate that I decided to go into special education.  I also have an art background, so those two areas of study have actually been a real asset."

# data[].attributes.body
"....At KU the education program for special education was very different from general education so I just learned as much as I could and felt like every day was a new experience!"

# data[].attributes.body
"My most favorite part is those 'AHA' moments when a student catches on to a concept that we have worked on for a long time."

# data[].attributes.body
"It is easy to overlook a child that is in your room for just a part of the day, especially if they are out of the room for all core subjects like my students are.But it is so important to find ways to include them where they can be successful....you need to build a relationship with them....do not forget to include students who are out for various resource room or other special education programs when something special is happening. All kids want to be included in parties, rewards activities, Christmas projects, etc...that is just such a huge disappointment for students when they realize they have missed out on something fun or special.  Assigning a student or students to remind the teacher is something that I have seen work. And remember always, that in a world full of diversity, these kiddos with disability bring something huge to their school and to your class.  All children need to work side by side with each other no matter what their ability is."

# data[].attributes.body
"Funding is always an issue. We have lawmakers, etc. who do not understand the needs of special education. We are in many ways separate and not equal!  Back in the “old days” I used to get all curriculum materials, supplies, etc. that general education teachers got. Now I have to beg and borrow. That is not fair to me or the students.  State assessments have come a long way and I am pleased with the turn that alternate state assessments have taken.  So much better and they track the progress of the individual student.  The general education assessments are exhausting, but I get why we have them.  I do feel that we do way too much testing…aimsweb, NWEA, state, etc. as well as the testing that must be continually completed to prove eligibility for special education.  All of this takes away from teaching."

# data[].attributes.body
"...I do fantasize about starting an art shop that would be a place for children with special needs to come and do great art projects!  That would be a great job!"