D228 task 1

docx

School

Athens State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

D170

Subject

Sociology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by kwaldo3

1 Interview with Special Education Teacher: Ms. McRee Kaitlyn Waldo February 16, 2023 College of Education, Western Governors University Special Education Practices: Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines (D228) Task 1

2 Interview with Special Education Teacher: Ms. McRee A1. See attached “Interview Verification Form”. B1. Reflections 1. Classroom Management: Ms. McRee was adamant about having a well-organized and flexible classroom management system in place from the beginning. She pointed out that it is important to remember that the system may need to change from year to year in order to meet the needs of the class. She feels that it is important to explain, model, and practice the classroom procedures and expectations with her students from day one. She believes that setting clear expectations about what is expected of the students and establishing a respectful environment where everyone feels included is the best way to minimize disruptions and inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. Ms. McRee has found that using classroom management techniques that involve constant positive reinforcement, consistency, and follow-through has worked most effectively for her. 2. Internal and external influences in Special Education: Ms. McRee feels that students with exceptionalities can bring out compassion and understanding in other students. She believes that inclusive classrooms can produce unique leadership, socialization, and collaborative learning opportunities for all students. When asked about ways in which she challenges her students she commented that she likes to set her students up to complete tasks independently. She also mentions using scaffolding techniques to meet her students at their current level and build them up from there. Ms. McRee mentions several digital programs that she uses in her classroom, including Moby Max, Happy Numbers, and

3 Splash Learn. She finds that these are more engaging ways to motivate her students to learn, and they are able to be tailored to a wide variety of learning styles/exceptionalities. 3. Teacher Identity: Ms. McRee views herself as a laid-back teacher, but also as having high expectations for her students. She used the words “tough love” to describe her teaching style, and tries to push her students to strive to do their best in all things. She strives to provide a failure-free zone that includes respect for everyone. She wants every child in her classroom to feel like they are safe to make mistakes and learn from them. Ms. McRee also commented that knowing your students, and what academic or life skills will be important for them, is vital in being able to individualize their learning needs. She feels that successful teachers must be patient, compassionate, knowledgeable on content and standards, and possess excellent communication skills. B2. Professional Development 1. Ms. McRee recommended seeking out professional development opportunities through my local school district, and the state department of education. She specifically mentioned taking workshops and continued education courses in various areas, not just for the position that you are in presently. She noted that she regretted not taking more course content training at the beginning of her career, because eventually, she moved to a new position where that training would have been useful. She was also adamant about seeking out continued education courses and workshops to keep up with the standards and content expectations, special education law, and improved learning interventions for children with exceptionalities. 2. Ms. McRee also recommended seeking out many hands-on professional development opportunities very early in your career. She suggested things like in-person seminars or

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 classroom observations that focused on things like situational de-escalation, managing aggressive/violent behaviors, and classroom management. She recommended observing many different special education classes in various age groups. She believes that hands- on training is very important, and really allows new special education teachers to get a feel for the types of behaviors and situations that they will need to be able to manage. B3. New Aspects 1. One new aspect I learned during my interview with Ms. McRee was that special education is an ever-changing area of expertise. Teachers must be flexible and remain open to new ideas and influences. Every child with an exceptionality learns differently, therefore as a special education teacher, you must be able to meet new challenges by adjusting your teaching methods to meet the unique learning needs of every student. Constantly seeking professional development and continued education opportunities allows special educators to be prepared and able to meet their student’s constantly evolving spectrum of educational needs. a. Ms. McRee recommended two different online platforms that I could use to help support me in coping with this new aspect of special education. Kids Included Together ( www.kit.org ) is an online continued education program that offers webinars, content training courses, inclusion training, live conferences, and more resources to help special education teachers. The Council for Exceptional Children ( www.exceptionalchildren.org ) is another great resource that provides various professional development opportunities. This organization also keeps an up-to-date database system on your individual state’s special education laws and standards. These professional development programs can help educators keep up

5 with the evolving needs of their students with exceptionalities and the special education community as a whole. 2. Another new aspect I learned more about during my interview with Ms. McRee was that it is extremely important to stay on top of your own mental health needs. She stressed that “teacher burnout” is a very real thing and that as much as you want to give your students absolutely everything you have, you also have to make sure your own needs are taken care of. This topic definitely struck a chord with me. I am a student, a wife, and a mother of 2 young girls. I have a very demanding life, and for me, being able to have an outlet where I can relax, recharge, and just enjoy the moment is crucial when it comes to being able to balance work and home life demands. Knowing your mental status well enough to recognize when you need to take a step back and practice some self-care, or recharge is an extremely important skill to have in this field. b. Ms. McRee recommended seeking professional development in this area by forming strong collaborative relationships with co-teachers and colleagues and creating a community of support. She stressed that being able to trust and lean on your team when you need support, or even just a 10-minute breather, is imperative. Seeking mentorship and advice from people who have experience in the field can give new educators access to a plethora of useful information, including how to cope with all of the stressors that come with being an educator of exceptional students. .

Related Documents

Wk3_ACE's Screening.docx

WK4_Lippert.P.docx

WK2_Assignment_Pavle .docx

Week-4 Reserach Methodology.docx

Discusison Post and responses Applied Methods.docx

Case Study Assignment.pdf

SOCW 6361 Week 2 Discussion Policy and Social Problems - Copy.pdf

SOCW 6361 Week 5 Discussion Policy Agendas - Copy.docx

SOCW 6051 Week 3 Discussion 2 Anti-Racist Social Work Practice.docx

SOCW 6361 Week 1 Discussion 2 Historical Divides and Ethical Obilgations.pdf

Examples.docx

GELO 3 Worksheet.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON