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How long have you been teaching special needs children?

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"Started as a special education teacher in 1997. I've taught at multiple different schools throughout Butler County."

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What made you choose the teaching profession and, in particular, teaching special needs children?

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"I didn't see myself doing anything else. My parents were both in the school setting and I've always loved kids.  I chose SPED because my father was a school psychologist."

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How have your ideas towards teaching changed in the passing year of experience? Can you recall your ideas about teaching when you were a teaching student like me? What were they? What are they now?

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"The policies and politics play into ideas.  Children have to know more than they used to.  Expectations of children are a lot higher.  Kindergarten has really changed.  It used to be normal that a kid did not know their abcs, now that is required to get into kindergarten."

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How does teaching children with special needs differ from teaching other students? What are some challenges you face in teaching special needs children? What are some rewards in teaching special needs children?

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"You must give them at least 10x more exposure to the idea or concept you are teaching.  Repeat and repeat to keep things in their "knowledge bank."  Some will never be able to get it so they are taught everyday things people know such as time, money, etc."

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What advice can you give me for teaching children with special needs in a regular classroom?

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"Patience is the key. Be able to adapt the regular core to their needs."

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What changes, if any, would you make to the educational system with regard to special needs children? Consider such aspects as inclusion, funding, state assessments, etc.

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"Change the state assessments to enable a alternative for SPED children.  They are given the test with absolutely no help when they are used to having help.  Maybe even a performance-based portfolio."

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If you could choose another career field, would you? Please explain your answer in detail.

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"I would move more towards counseling. That is basically what you do in SPED. It would be a lot less paperwork, IEPs, documentation and accommodations."

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Are there any comments you wish to add to close this interview?

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Teaching is always changing. Do not be stuck to one way. And go into the field as if you know nothing. Everything you are taught mostly likely will not matter once you get into your own classroom. Kids are very tech savvy these days and are street smart as well. Be flexible."