image from “A Special Education Teachers World” Facebook page
As someone who has now taught both general education and special education, I can honestly say that ALL types of teaching are tough, but extremely rewarding. Read on to find out why I switched to special education as a 6:1:1 teacher after 4 years of teaching gen ed.
I loved my Special Education student teaching experience.
The school where I went for undergrad had a triple certification program where students could become certified in elementary education, early childhood education, and special education. I took advantage of this opportunity!
When it came time for my student teaching my senior year, I did half of the semester in a general education setting and half in a special education setting. I truly enjoyed both placements. There was one particular student who stood out to me and made me realize how much I loved working with students with special needs.
This student had ADHD and was very easily distracted, but he was such a sweet kid. I was “warned” about this student by my mentor teacher. Him and I formed a great relationship. I will never forget my mentor teaching me “We are so happy that (student name) finally has a teacher who likes him”. I also remember telling this student one day after he completed his work, “Wow, look how smart you are!” His face lit up and I believe that was the first time he had been told that.
This student made me realize how much I enjoyed special education. On the last day of my placement, I received the card shown in the picture above from this student’s 3rd grade homeroom teacher. I have kept it with me as a reminder of “my why”. It is so rewarding to see a student who struggles a little more than others finally grasp a concept and feel successful.
I worked as a teacher aide for a summer school program and loved it.
image from Special Education – Kilgore Independent School District (kisd.org)
The summer between my junior and senior year of college, I worked as a teacher aide for a summer school program. All of the classrooms were 6:1:1. I was placed in a classroom with 7th grade students. I was the TA. Two of the students had a 1:1 aide, so there was four staff total in the room.
Despite me being apprehensive at first about the students’ ages and size (they were all taller than me!), I truly enjoyed it. Although it was just for an eight-week summer school program, we became a little family, and I got a glimpse into the world of a 6:1:1 classroom. I loved how tight knit the staff and I were. I loved the small class size that allowed us to give the students individualized attention.
Special Education, especially self-contained classes, is truly a team effort. Since I had a great team that I was working with, it made coming into work enjoyable. I now teach a 3rd/4th grade 6:1:1 class, and I am lucky enough to have a great team of people once again. My love of special education stemmed from the coworkers that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the years.
There is more support for teachers.
My support staff and I on the first day back to school in September (left to right: Justice, Amber, myself, and Shiamekah)
In my personal experience, I receive more staff support as a special education teacher vs. a general education teacher, which makes sense. Special Education’s purpose is to support students with severe needs. So, these types of programs have additional staff, like paraprofessionals and related service providers, that work with the students.
I taught general education 2nd grade for 2 years and general education Kindergarten for 2 years. While there were many parts of gen ed that I enjoyed, I often felt lonely and isolated being in my classroom all day with just me and 20+ students.
If I needed to step out to use the bathroom or answer a call, I was not able to do that. If one of my students was having a behavior issue, it was up to me and only me to solve the problem and make sure all of the students were safe. This is something that special education teachers don’t have to worry about as much, as long as they are in a school that is a positive environment for them and provides them with caring support staff.
I am more marketable.
Quote from 10 Marketable Teacher Skills — Educator Forever
In addition to the amazing experiences I’ve had, I also enjoy the fact that I am more marketable. Special Education teachers have a unique skill set. Special Education jobs are always available. There are a variety of settings and positions for someone to work in special ed. These include being a consultant teacher, a resource teacher, a co-teacher in an inclusive classroom, a self-contained teacher, etc. There are also a variety of school settings where special education teachers can work, including public schools, therapeutic day schools, daycare centers, Pre-K centers, etc.
I currently work in a therapeutic day school and I love it. Read my blog post about why I love it and things to know about therapeutic day schools here! You can also check out this blog about Special Education laws that are good to know for anyone interested in teaching special education.
Overall, I enjoy being a special education teacher and I am very happy I made the switch from general education!