6 answers
Carla
Student
Manassas, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become the teacher students need in todays world?
Restarting school in the Spring with the goal to become an elementary school special ed teacher. Currently working as a paraprofessional assisting students on the spectrum and with learning disabilities.
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6 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Carla. Having worked as a teacher, I know how challenging and rewarding teaching can be. One of the most important things I have learned is to be kind and understanding with your students. Every child is different, and this is especially true for students on the spectrum or with learning disabilities. Taking time to understand each student helps them feel safe and valued. Your experience as a paraprofessional is already helping you do this. You are learning how to watch, listen, and support students in ways that really matter.
Building strong relationships is also very important. This means connecting not only with your students but also with their families and other teachers. Talking with parents can give you important information about a child's needs and how to help them. Learning from other teachers can also teach you strategies that work well. Teaching is not something you do alone, working together helps your students succeed and helps you grow as a teacher.
Flexibility and creativity are another big part of being the teacher students need. Children with different learning needs may need lessons taught in different ways. Don't be afraid to try new ideas, use visual aids, or include technology to help learning. Also, pay attention to what works best for each student and be ready to adjust. Small changes in teaching can make a big difference for your students.
Furthermore, you need to keep learning. You can attend workshops, find a mentor, and stay curious about new ways to teach special education. When you show students that you keep learning and growing, it encourages them to do the same.
Building strong relationships is also very important. This means connecting not only with your students but also with their families and other teachers. Talking with parents can give you important information about a child's needs and how to help them. Learning from other teachers can also teach you strategies that work well. Teaching is not something you do alone, working together helps your students succeed and helps you grow as a teacher.
Flexibility and creativity are another big part of being the teacher students need. Children with different learning needs may need lessons taught in different ways. Don't be afraid to try new ideas, use visual aids, or include technology to help learning. Also, pay attention to what works best for each student and be ready to adjust. Small changes in teaching can make a big difference for your students.
Furthermore, you need to keep learning. You can attend workshops, find a mentor, and stay curious about new ways to teach special education. When you show students that you keep learning and growing, it encourages them to do the same.
Sheryl Genna
Corporate Responsibility Manager
4
Answers
Updated
Sheryl’s Answer
The fact that you’re even asking this question says a lot. Working as a paraprofessional with students on the spectrum and with learning disabilities already puts you in a great position, because you’re seeing firsthand what students actually need day to day. Restarting school in the spring with that experience behind you is a huge strength, not a setback. Being the teacher students need today isn’t about having all the answers it’s about showing up with patience, empathy, and a willingness to keep learning. Focus on building relationships, listening to your students and their families, and being flexible when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t, and that’s okay). Special education is always evolving, and the teachers who make the biggest impact are the ones who stay curious, advocate for their students, and lead with compassion and empathy. You’re already doing that work, and that mindset will carry you far in the classroom. The students need you!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
To be the teacher students need today, it's all about mixing knowledge, skills, and empathy. Working as a paraprofessional gives you valuable experience with students on the spectrum and those with learning disabilities. You can build on this by learning more about special education and exploring different teaching methods.
It's also key to form strong bonds with students, recognize their strengths and challenges, and stay patient and flexible when things don't go as planned. Teaming up with other teachers and growing through workshops and reflection will help you support both the academic and emotional needs of your students.
It's also key to form strong bonds with students, recognize their strengths and challenges, and stay patient and flexible when things don't go as planned. Teaming up with other teachers and growing through workshops and reflection will help you support both the academic and emotional needs of your students.
Leny Ugay
1
Answer
Updated
Leny’s Answer
Teaching in the 21st century learners might be the toughest job.
We as teachers need to understand their needs and attain to it immediately, especially if your learners belongs to students with learning disability. It takes more trainings and Learning Action Cell sessions for you to master in handling this clients.
But on the other hand, it is rewarding and fulfilling as teacher when you see your students already learn and they may able to out from the shell.
We as teachers need to understand their needs and attain to it immediately, especially if your learners belongs to students with learning disability. It takes more trainings and Learning Action Cell sessions for you to master in handling this clients.
But on the other hand, it is rewarding and fulfilling as teacher when you see your students already learn and they may able to out from the shell.
Alan Gooding
Strategic Account Executive
11
Answers
Bentonville, Arkansas
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Be informed, be bold. You might be asking about what you can do to be the best educator you can, but I'm reading it as more 'how can you be the best influence on the children you spend everyday with.'
Teaching is now, more than ever, paperwork, process, mandates...They change from one state to the next, one president to the next, one Principal to the next.... You will be your pupils constant. Work on a fair and consistent reward & encouragement policy, put effort into prep and understanding each childs way of learning, read and educate yourself (evolve) frequently. The job won't make you rich, so remember to enjoy each day and that for those 7ish hours everyday, you are that child's guiding compass.
Teaching is now, more than ever, paperwork, process, mandates...They change from one state to the next, one president to the next, one Principal to the next.... You will be your pupils constant. Work on a fair and consistent reward & encouragement policy, put effort into prep and understanding each childs way of learning, read and educate yourself (evolve) frequently. The job won't make you rich, so remember to enjoy each day and that for those 7ish hours everyday, you are that child's guiding compass.
Eva Young-Hayden (US)
Ethics and Compliance Specialist
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Eva’s Answer
Hi Carla,
Congratulations to you for choosing teaching as a career choice. Teaching is very rewarding and provides you the opportunity to help develop children into the people you they want to become. Having experience working in special education, I encourage you to be patient. Patient with the students as they are thirsty for knowledge, patient with their parents as they just want their child to be treated fairly, and patient with yourself. You will enter each year with new students that you have to learn how they learn, they have to learn to trust you and feel safe with you. I think making sure that you provide a safe environment first, you will be successful. Remember don't be afraid to ask for help, I wish you the best !
Congratulations to you for choosing teaching as a career choice. Teaching is very rewarding and provides you the opportunity to help develop children into the people you they want to become. Having experience working in special education, I encourage you to be patient. Patient with the students as they are thirsty for knowledge, patient with their parents as they just want their child to be treated fairly, and patient with yourself. You will enter each year with new students that you have to learn how they learn, they have to learn to trust you and feel safe with you. I think making sure that you provide a safe environment first, you will be successful. Remember don't be afraid to ask for help, I wish you the best !