Explore being a special education teacher by assisting in a special education classroom.
Overview
- Essential Question: Could I develop the mindset and skills to become a classroom teacher?
- Area of study: Special Education
- Type and amount of credit earned: Full year, one credit
- Community partner: Teachers and paraprofessionals in a self-contained classroom
Competencies
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Interact in a professional manner with the adults and students.
- Helping Students Learn – Assist classroom educators by helping with academic, social and independent living skills.
- Respect Confidentiality – Maintaining respect for student privacy.
- Facilitation and Engagement Support – Assist in skill-building activities to help classroom students with their individual goals.
See the detailed ELO description for the full text of these competencies.
Student activities
- Complete three online training programs prior to the classroom ELO: Student Bullying, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Preventing Workplace Harassment for Employees.
- Complete informational interviews with Reading Specialist and district Director of Special Services.
- Under adult supervision, lead discrete data trial training sessions.
- Create and work with the students to put together a classroom cookbook with recipes chosen by the students and prepared at school.
- Orchestrate daily calendar, weather and morning gathering time with the students.
- Promote self-care and healthy habits projects, facilitate daily Grooming Checklist.
- Work on individual and group skill building activities.
- Assist in outdoor gross motor activities and Unified Sports with the students.
- Observe the Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist while working with students.
Assessment
- Classroom observations
- Weekly updates from classroom teacher
- Final student assessment by community partner
- Student presentation of ELO experience
More information
Take the time to prepare students interested in working in a Special Education classroom with general knowledge of what Special Education entails. This student went into the ELO unsure if she’d be able to be successful. It was a wonderful learning experience and confidence builder for her.
It is very important for the students to have a consistent schedule when planning their ELO. The regularity of a daily routine helps build student confidence and reduces behavioral issues in the classroom.
Having a supportive Special Education Department is key to a successful student ELO.
This ELO was submitted by Holly Londo, Extended Learning Coordinator, Raymond High School. Email teacher for more information
June 2022
