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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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2 answers
Alan Gooding
Strategic Account Executive
9
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.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
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.