Special Education Teacher Interview by https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx en-us 2023-05-01 23:53:18 UTC 2023-05-02 01:14:19 UTC hello@padlet.com How long have you been teaching special needs children? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574378161 -This is my first year in special education.]]> 2023-05-02 00:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574378161 What made you choose the teaching profession and, in particular, teaching special needs children? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574380359 -I chose the teaching profession because I love working with children. I taught general education for 16 years and then switched to special education. 
-I have always had a classroom near the classroom for the
categorical students and decided to try teaching students in the categorical/mixed abilities program.]]> 2023-05-02 00:57:28 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574380359 How have your ideas toward teaching changed with each passing year of experience? Can you recall your ideas about teaching when you were a teacher education student like me? What were they? What are they now? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574389925 -My ideas have definitely changed. In the beginning I planned to be strict, insist on work being turned in on time, assumed all students wanted to learn, and that everyone had similar home lives.
-Now I realize that for some students school is their only safe space, that students who sleep in class are not always being defiant but maybe haven’t been able/allowed to sleep at home, that everyone has a different learning style, and that getting to know students is one of the most important things to do as a
teacher. 
-Building relationships and making connections is everything.]]> 2023-05-02 01:06:46 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574389925 How does teaching children with special needs differ from teaching other children? What are some challenges you face in teaching special needs children? What are some rewards in teaching special needs children? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574391130 -Teaching students with special needs is significantly different. -The learning abilities AND styles vary widely. The biggest shock is the amount of paperwork and meetings involving IEPs, behavioral plans, and all of the meetings that go
along with these documents. 
-The rewards are the genuine love and kindness
received from students, and all of the “ah ha” moments I get to see when a student understands something new.]]> 2023-05-02 01:08:01 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574391130 What advice can you give me for teaching children with special needs in the regular education classroom? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574394602 -Most students with special needs who are in a general education classroom as just as capable academically as most of the general education students. 
-They may need extra time, but they have had years of teachers and paras teaching them how to learn. You will be presently surprised by their capabilities.]]> 2023-05-02 01:10:51 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574394602 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… smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574396972 -I would do away with state assessments for the categorical level special needs students. 
-I would continue to try to serve students in the least restrictive environment, and work with general education students so they can advocate for
and include the other students in and out of the classroom.]]> 2023-05-02 01:12:46 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574396972 If you could choose another career field, would you? Please explain your answer in detail. smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574397834 -I definitely would. Teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. 
-Parents are becoming more disrespectful than students, making teaching a less-desirable career.]]> 2023-05-02 01:13:33 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574397834 Are there any comments you wish to add to close this interview? smckedy https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574398738 -Teaching is hard, but rewarding. Students never forget the teachers they love.
- Be flexible, show grace, and give love to all students. Those who act out need your love the most.]]> 2023-05-02 01:14:19 UTC https://padlet.com/smckedy/126vccxdlzna9tgx/wish/2574398738