In this assignment, I have reflected on the necessary communication and collaboration skills that are required of a Cross-Categorical Special Education teacher, at the high school level. 

With whom is the special educator expected to communicate and collaborate?

The position would have me communicating and collaborating with students and parents. I would also be collaborating and communicating with the any instructional staff which could include, but is not limited to, general education teachers, other professional staff that work with the students, and administration. 

What tasks, roles, or responsibilities is the special educator expected to complete that require communication and collaboration?

A task that this position will entail is instructional support to special education students and developing an instructional program that fits their needs. I will have to be addressing instructional and/or classroom issues, with teachers, other instructional staff and administrators, and communicate on wide range of inquiries from parents. I will be developing IEPs, BIP’s, FBA’s, and taking a variety of data. This position would have me administering developmental testing, specific assessments. I would be establishing classroom objectives that support the school improvement plan, and participating in a variety professional development, staff meetings, IEP’s, faculty, and study groups,

How would you talk about your strengths and weaknesses in the areas that require collaboration and communication?

I feel that a strength that I have is communication between general and special education teachers. I am very open to other’s ideas and perspectives.  Problem solving is something I enjoy doing as a collaborative effort. A weakness that I am working is cultural bias.