Special+Education+Teacher

Support teacher/school based [|special education teacher]

[|Click here]for the journal Special Education Perspectives. This journal is focussed on special education practice in Australian schools and is read by many special education practitioners.

From the NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC)
Do you have an interest in teaching young people with special learning needs? Would you love the rewards that come from making a significant difference to individual lives? As a special education teacher you will help the learning of students with a range of intellectual and physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, mental health diagnosis or learning difficulties. Teaching students who require special support can provide a very stimulating and satisfying career.

The role of a special education teacher
Special education teachers are employed in primary and secondary schools as well as schools for specific purposes to help meet the special learning needs of students who have a range of disabilities or learning difficulties. Special education teachers work collaboratively with parents, other teachers, school staff and other professionals to make sure students have the best opportunities for effective learning. Teachers are also encouraged to use their special interests and talents to play an active role in a wide range of school activities. https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/brochures.htm#specialed Accessed 11/2/2010

The role of the Support Teacher Learning Assistance (STLA)
//STLAs// have a role within whole school initiatives to improve outcomes for students with learning difficulties. The STLA's role as a member of the school learning support team is to: In working collaboratively with school executive, classroom teachers and parents, the STLA may provide support through:
 * identify and assess students experiencing difficulties in learning
 * plan, implement, monitor and evaluate programs for students with learning difficulties
 * build the capacity of teachers to support students with a diverse range of learning needs
 * team teaching
 * consultancy and training and development with other teachers
 * withdrawal for assessment
 * withdrawal of students for short term intensive instruction and monitoring of progress
 * support for peer tutoring and other programs

From the MyFuture website
Special education teachers may perform the following tasks: http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5050&ASCO=241400A
 * assess the abilities and potential of students requiring a specific study program using a variety of tests and other forms of assessment
 * plan special courses of study to meet the needs of students
 * teach academic subjects and practical self-help skills using different methods and aids to assist in the education and/or rehabilitation process
 * develop/adapt curriculum to make it relevant for students with disabilities
 * observe students to evaluate and record their progress and to detect signs of any deterioration of developmental disorder, ill health or emotional disturbance
 * work closely with other professionals including guidance officers, speech therapists and psychologists
 * promote health and safety concepts and social interaction with other students
 * assist students with their toileting, feeding and other personal matters (this may require lifting the students)
 * discuss aspects of the student's development with parents and other educators
 * discuss with parents the aims of the education program as a whole
 * participate in community activities and on [|parent]/staff committees.