As educators, one of the most significant decisions we face in our careers is choosing the right teaching environment. Two prominent models in special education are self-contained classrooms and inclusion settings. Each offers distinct experiences, challenges, and rewards. This blog post aims to provide factors to consider when deciding between teaching in a self-contained classroom or an inclusion setting. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your personal teaching style and individual preferences.
What are self-contained classrooms?
Self-contained classrooms serve students with disabilities in a separate setting from their typically-developing peers. These classrooms generally have fewer students, more individualized instruction, and additional paraeducator support. Students in these classrooms typically receive a modified curriculum tailored to their specific needs.
What are inclusion settings?
Inclusion happens when students with disabilities receive education alongside their typically-developing peers in general education classrooms, where they receive support services. In inclusion settings, you will see intimate collaboration between general education and special education teachers; you may even witness coteaching happening. Students with various abilities in these settings receive differentiated instruction and focus on social integration and peer modeling.
Self-contained teaching might be the right fit for you if:
- You enjoy creating highly specialized curricula. Self-contained teachers often modify or create curriculum materials to meet students’ specific learning needs.
- You value deeper relationships with fewer students. The smaller student-to-teacher ratio in self-contained classrooms allows for building profound connections and understanding each student’s unique needs.
- You prefer routines and a more predictable schedule. Due to the needs of the students in self-contained settings, there is usually more environmental predictability.
- You have strong behavior management skills. Self-contained classrooms often serve students with more significant behavioral challenges requiring specialized interventions.
Inclusion teaching might be the right fit for you if:
- You enjoy collaboration and coteaching. Inclusion teachers work closely with general education teachers, sharing instructional responsibilities and expertise.
- You are skilled at advocating for students. Inclusion teachers often need to advocate for appropriate accommodations and modifications within the general education curriculum and setting.
- You excel at facilitating social interactions. It is imperative for inclusion teachers to support positive peer relationships and social skills development in inclusion settings.
- You’re adaptable and flexible. With a higher student-to-teacher ratio and a wider range of student abilities, inclusion teachers need to be quick-thinking and flexible.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between self-contained and inclusion teaching is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you depends on your teaching strengths, professional goals, and educational philosophy. Both environments are essential within our educational system, and both need talented, dedicated teachers.
