Special Education Teacher Interview by Hailie Miller https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql Hailie Miller en-us 2021-10-23 01:42:06 UTC 2025-04-25 17:46:11 UTC hello@padlet.com Interview Signature hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837448588 2021-10-23 01:46:11 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837448588 How long have you been teaching special needs children? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837453023 "I have been teaching for a total of fifteen years. I worked in the district as a para for eight years and noticed how amazing the children are so I wanted to further my career and become a teacher. Now I've been teaching special needs children for seven years."]]> 2021-10-23 01:50:24 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837453023 What made you choose the teaching profession and, in particular, teaching special needs children? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837460029 "I worked at a bank for sometime after college and realized that it wasn't the job for me so one of my friends gave me a para position. I never had an intention of teaching but I ended up getting my Masters in teaching through Wichita State. I really just wanted something different."]]> 2021-10-23 01:57:02 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837460029 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? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837465313 "From starting in a classroom as a para my focus has changed to wanting to teach teachers what I have learned. I want to help other teachers in the classroom be successful. I want to really shift the way of thinking and teaching because the students are here to learn, grow, and learn how to learn."]]> 2021-10-23 02:02:18 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837465313 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? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837473311 "Well I have only been a para and taught special education so I have never taught normal education. A challenge I've had was building a relationship with the students although that is the reward as well, the process of building the relationship is difficult. With special needs children it takes longer to create and build that relationship to get them to trust you and open up to learn so without that strong relationship it is hard to do anything without it. If I did have normal student's I don't think I would change anything compared to what I am doing now. I think that breaking down each teaching skill is difficult because I have to focus on each student and pick their strong suits and weak spots and incorporate each students weaknesses into each lesson. It is very rewarding to finally have that relationship and to feel close to my students."]]> 2021-10-23 02:10:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837473311 What advice can you give me for teaching children with special needs in the regular education classroom? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837482538 "Structure. Structure is key. Students need to know what is coming and allowing them to get on a schedule and routine. I would also advice to use lots and lots of visuals. The students really enjoy the visuals but it also helps them understand what they are learning and to connect their learning with imagines to plant in their brain. I would also recommend to have high expectations for your students. It allows the students to build their confidence and to improve their academic performance!"]]> 2021-10-23 02:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837482538 What changes, if any, would you make to the education system with regard to special needs children? Consider such aspects as inclusion, funding, state assessments, etc... hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837487478 "If I could make any changes I would make it to where the district administration and those higher up would have to come into the classrooms to see how everything works and to get new experiences to help to teachers further. There is so much things teachers need help with but in our district they have never came and got a feel for what actually happens in the classroom. I want them to see how these students are learning and to show that they are really learning at such a young age."]]> 2021-10-23 02:25:20 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837487478 If you could choose another career field, would you? Please explain your answer in detail. hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837490385 "IF! If I would change my career I wouldn't leave the education system but I may switch to become a coach to teach other teachers. I really want to help teachers understand what the students and special needs students need to be successful."]]> 2021-10-23 02:28:28 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837490385 Are there any comments you wish to add to close this interview? hailiemiller05 https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837492594 " I would strongly advise you to get into the classroom as soon as possible whether it's more observing or becoming a para or subbing. It really helped me get the experience I needed to become the teacher I am now."]]> 2021-10-23 02:30:54 UTC https://padlet.com/hailiemiller05/18ssp7murzqsz6ql/wish/1837492594