A teaching career presents many challenges inside and outside the classroom. Special education teachers have an especially difficult job of not only teaching and managing their students, but also handling the paperwork and ensuring students receive the accommodations and modifications they need to be successful.
Meeting these challenges requires effort, determination and compassion as well as an abundance of knowledge concerning special education law, instructional methods, behavioral interventions, assistive technologies, modifications, current issues and more. The online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 program from Arkansas State University (A-State) provides educators with expertise in these areas, preparing them to effectively tackle challenges and issues that arise in their special education careers.
Paperwork: From the Individualized Education Program to Caseload Management
Teaching special education does not stop at teaching a resource class or assisting in an inclusive classroom. As part of the job, special education teachers are responsible for a caseload of students. This might involve working with some students on a daily basis in general education classes or checking in with others periodically to monitor and assess their progress.
Special education teachers also play a critical role in the collaborative team that develops each student’s individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is a comprehensive educational plan that documents and outlines a student’s categorized disabilities, needs, goals, accommodations, testing specifications, post-secondary transition plan and more.
After the IEP team develops a child’s IEP, the special education teacher helps implement each component of the plan, ensures adherence to the plan in classroom practice, and participates in regular IEP review and revision. For every IEP meeting, the team must gather information from the student’s classwork to monitor and measure progress, updating each section of the IEP as needed. During each grading period, special education teachers are responsible for analyzing student goals and progress to assess whether goals, methods and program strategy are appropriate or need revision.
Keeping track of IEP accommodations and assessing benefits to the student are also important. The general education teacher may provide insight if the student participates in inclusive classes, but it is the special education teacher’s responsibility to compile information and analysis for IEP meetings.
Along with the annual IEP meeting, additional meetings may be held for students if the IEP needs an amendment, the student needs more testing, modifications need altering, or accommodations like assistive technologies need approval and sourcing. This process happens for every student in a special education teacher’s caseload, which can range from 12 to 30 students, depending on state regulations and the specific student-teacher ratios in a school’s special education program.
Guiding Classroom Implementation and Mediating Parent-Teacher Communication
Special education teachers may also act as the intermediary between general education teachers and parents. This can be a challenge when complicated issues arise. If a special education student is struggling in a general education class, there are many factors to consider, such as accommodations, modifications and behavioral interventions.
First and foremost, special education teachers ensure that the general education teacher is implementing all components of the IEP related to classroom practice, including any documentation. Poor implementation could be having a negative effect on the student’s performance.
This can be a difficult conversation if the teacher is not employing all required accommodations and modifications appropriately. Technically, a teacher who fails to use approved accommodations and modifications could be breaking the law and is responsible for remedying the situation. However, most teachers just need guidance and assistance in learning how to implement IEP mandates effectively. Special education teachers collaborate closely with general education teachers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to meet each student’s needs in the specific manner outlined in that student’s IEP.
If all the student’s accommodations are implemented correctly but the student is still struggling to achieve their goals, all educators involved will need to work together more to figure out how to help the student find success. This could mean trying a different accommodation, adjusting instructional methods or figuring out what is triggering unwanted behavior.
If general education teachers and parents disagree about the methods used to teach a student, the special education teacher may act as a mediator. Sometimes, parents might feel that teachers are not doing their job if the student is doing poorly in a class. As the student’s case manager, it might be up to the special education teacher to help de-escalate the conflict between the parent and teacher.
Special education teachers can help parents and teachers develop effective communication strategies to better understand different perspectives and foster more trusting relationships. It may be necessary to remind everyone that they are all there to make sure the child succeeds. So, if everyone works toward that goal, they will find it easier to solve the problem. The special education teacher also acts as the expert resource in this situation, providing insight into potential instructional techniques, constructive behavioral interventions and accommodations that could be integral to creating an effective solution everyone can agree on.
Addressing Behavioral Problems
Another common challenge with teaching special education is managing the behaviors of students — and the reactions of teachers. Students with disabilities may experience frustration with school. Whether rooted in not understanding material or dealing with emotions they have trouble controlling, these students may exhibit behaviors that can be challenging for their teachers.
Every student is different, and what works with one student may not work with another. Taking the time to learn about the student’s individual needs and figuring out ways for that student to cope can help the student learn to control their behavior constructively.
Special education teachers also have unique insight into the experiences of students with disabilities, as well as common behavioral issues and effective, targeted behavioral interventions. Helping general education teachers understand and meet the needs of students and coaching them on appropriate behavioral interventions empowers those teachers, equipping them with skills to work with their students more effectively. Again, working together is key.
Further, a reward system for good behavior can be a better deterrent than punishing the student for bad behavior. Educators must address behavior that negatively impacts the student or the class, but steering the student towards good behavior with incentives can help motivate the student to act more appropriately at school.
Teaching special education can be a hard and, at times, exhausting job. However, overcoming the challenges of the job and helping students with disabilities reach their full potential and accomplish their goals can make the effort worthwhile.
Advancing Your Special Education Career With an Instructional Specialist K-12 Degree
The challenges facing special education teachers are complex and multifaceted, requiring a unique combination of pedagogical expertise, legal knowledge and interpersonal skills. From managing extensive IEP paperwork and ensuring proper implementation of accommodations to mediating parent-teacher communication and addressing diverse behavioral needs, special educators must navigate demanding responsibilities daily. While these challenges can be daunting, they also present opportunities for professional growth and the profound satisfaction of helping students with disabilities achieve their educational goals.
For educators seeking to enhance their ability to meet these challenges head-on, advanced training and specialized expertise are invaluable. The MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 online degree from A-State equips teachers with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in this rewarding field. By deepening students’ understanding of special education law, evidence-based instructional strategies, behavioral interventions and collaborative practices, they are better prepared to advocate for their students, support their colleagues and make a lasting difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 program.