From Gen Ed to SPED

[CS]

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Delete Discussion Hello,

I am finding it difficult to transition from General Education to Special Education. Mainly because I don't really understand my role. Am I a teacher or a tutor? Never being allowed to lead a class through a lesson, feels more like being a tutor. Am I a tutor, or an aide? I am often treated by the other teachers as an aide - running errands, or making copies pulls me out of the room and then my students complain that I wasn't there for them. Am I an aide or a disciplinarian, the one thing the teacher has no problem with is telling me to write someone up. Since, this happens sometimes just as I am walking into the room from an errand I was sent on, I don't even know what the student did!

Many times, the General Ed teacher listens in to how I explain something, then gets upset that I did not state it exactly the way she did - not realizing, that the student asking did not understand the concept they way she stated - hence the questions to me.

The students don't know or care who I am and get annoyed that I am in the room and make rude comments about my presence,until they need my help. And understanding when to process what paperwork and who to give it to is also a problem.

When I worked as a General Education teacher, I differentiated my teaching by dividing the class between three stations overseen by the Special Education teacher and myself. We each taught a mini-lesson, one lesson style, one applied the lesson hands-on, and the third station was an independent activity/station. I assumed that all inclusion rooms worked this way. Not where I am now, and I wonder if I should stay. Share

[CS]

When I came to Virginia I was told my previous teaching experience did not count.

[Dawn Kelly]

Wow ! You are pretty overwhelmed and I understand your sentiments. Our job as special educators can be difficult to navigate. Many of our general ed co-workers truly don't understand what we do and many have a difficult time as viewing us as peers and/or professionals. You have had the wonderful experience of working in both worlds. I applaud you partnering with your special ed teacher when you were the gen ed teacher, as well as for modifying your curriculum to meet the vast needs of your students. I am sure you helped many students who were not identified as well. You sound progressive and it appears that you are constantly seeking knowledge for yourself and your students. Personally, I have become fed up with the lack of professional courtesy extended to special educators. Often times, I have had to forge my agenda through. I have had to talk openly and honestly with my gen ed team and let them know how I feel about the climate in the classroom. I believe the general educators are overwhelmed, and without thinking about what they say or do, they tend to inadvertently pass the buck. I have had to stand firm and command respect.

I would suggest that you meet with your administrative designee and your coworkers, to begin to establish a true collaborative teaching model. We are not paraprofessionals, tutors, or teacher aides-we are educators. I have found that not only am I advocating for students, but that I am having to advocate for myself. Stand up and be heard. If we are not effective in our jobs-then we can not effectively provide a sound learning environment for our students.

What made you want to leave gen ed and move to special ed