Reflection # 2

By Joel Valdez
Introduction to Special Education
Submitted to: Mrs. Paulita

Date: 27th September, 2013

University of Belize

What I Think About Special Education

Special education is one of the areas in education that will continue to need qualified
teacher. People often make the mistake of thinking that because children with disabilities are
often cognitively disabled, that they don't need smart teachers. You need to know if you really
like children if you are going to teach special education.
The actual physical space of the classroom can have the greatest impact on a child's
ability to learn. If you have a self-contained classroom or a resource room, you need to be sure
you create a place where calm and order reign. It is not a matter of being loud enough to get their
attention. A learning environment for a child with special needs should focus on presenting the
material in a variety of ways.
Teachers these days use many different strategies to help kids learn new information,
including lessons that include visual, tactile, kinesthetic, and auditory teaching, large and small
group work, and individual attention. All students need structure to succeed, but special
education students need it more. Whether you are teaching mildly dyslexic, severely
handicapped or intellectually disabled students, you need to provide the class with a physical and
academic structure conducive to learning. This is at the heart of teaching special education.
Special education teaching provides you with the opportunity to love and appreciate
others regardless of their capabilities or behavior. People who think outside the box often do a
stellar job teaching special education. Regularity and dependability are important qualities to
have when special education teaching. Taking the opportunity to work with students for an
extended period of time can be a huge confidence builder for them.