Special Education classrooms are more dynamic in how they are managed and how students are taught. Unique challenges include the type of classroom, students’ needs, parents’ concerns, and professional development. It’s a lot to handle and different from what non-SPED teachers do in their rooms. While Special Education teachers thrive in various school environments, it is helpful to understand the scope of what they experience and how they can support their students.
There are three types of classrooms where SPED teachers typically work.
- General Classroom – Provide support to SPED students in a general classroom environment. They may collaborate with the gen ed teacher to modify lessons, provide individualized accommodations, and ensure accessibility to the physical classroom and curriculum.
- Self-Contained Classroom – SPED teachers work with small groups of students who need extra attention due to disabilities or behavioral challenges. Students may be with them full-time or integrated into the general classroom for some subjects.
- Resource Classroom – SPED teachers may work in resource rooms where they provide supplemental instruction to students who also participate in some general classroom subjects. They can also work in specialized schools dedicated to students with disabilities, hospitals, or homebound programs for students who cannot attend school because of their medical conditions.
As a SPED teacher, you have a lot of challenges not faced by your teaching peers, but there are also a lot of opportunities to explore your skills and gain experience working with students who may otherwise be underserved.
Tips for Special Education Teachers to Thrive
It is important for teachers to connect with students and their families. For special education students, barriers to communication may mean getting creative or innovative with teaching. Here are tips for how SPED teachers can thrive in the various school environments described above.
Build Strong Relationships with General Education Staff. In any classroom, some students learn faster than others. Recognizing this and providing recommendations for students who may otherwise fall behind is essential. SPED teachers collaborating with general education teachers and staff means they get to know the student and their staff support network. They can offer comprehensive support to meet the student’s needs. Meeting new people and expanding your network is also good for professional development.
Adapt to Different School Cultures. Being flexible and open to teaching in diverse environments helps SPED teachers thrive. Whether in urban, rural, or suburban schools, learning about the local culture will help teachers serve their students by celebrating and recognizing what means the most to the community.
Utilize Resources and Support Systems. When beginning in a new school system, educate yourself about the resources available to teachers and their students. Leveraging what is available, like special education coordinators, teaching aids, or peer mentors, helps teachers effectively manage their workloads and provide tailored instruction.
Communicate with Parents and Guardians. Establishing open lines of communication with parents helps to ensure that student’s needs are met both in and out of the classroom. This fosters a collaborative approach to learning and builds trust between family and support team.
Continue Professional Development. Staying updated with the latest special education techniques, individualized education program (IEP) management, and behavioral strategies enable teachers to remain effective in evolving school environments. Take what you learn to the next position and keep learning and growing yourself and your career.
Embracing Self-Care and Burnout Prevention. The work of SPED teachers can be demanding. Prioritizing self-care and managing work-life balance is crucial for special education teachers to maintain long-term success, especially when dealing with the emotional challenges that may arise in the classroom.
Be open and adaptable and you will be successful in various special education classroom environments. Find the resources and people to support you and your students, and you will thrive in your role.
Interested in learning more about our job opportunities? Check out the AB Staffing Job Board; we’re here to help you find the right place to share your teaching expertise.
