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My Post-Philosophy Statement

Dave Gabriel C. Odtuhan

College of Southern Nevada

EDU 203: Introduction to Special Education

DR. Warby

October 23, 2022

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My Post-Philosophy Statement

The materials covered in the course were very informative. I have learned so many things

that are not generally talked about. It opened my eyes on issues surrounding students with

disabilities, their parents, and their teachers. Aside from the course materials, my field

observation in a strictly special education classroom gave me hands-on experience with students

with disabilities, which was an amazing learning opportunity. I have gained some strategies in

helping students with disabilities reach their full potential and feel good about their academic

performance. My personal teaching philosophy changed in a way where it strengthened my

beliefs. I still believe that education should focus on the whole child; as a future educator, I

would want my students to strive in an ever-changing world by allowing them to develop their

own approach to the tasks provided to them. I think progressivism is beneficial not only to

general education students but also for special education students. This is due to the fact that a

progressivist's classroom is about experience through group activities, custom-made lessons and

learning stations.

A special education teacher’s role in the classroom is to be a resource, a mentor, and

support to their students. The teacher should be a resource that provides tools and knowledge for

the students to strive in life. They should be able to help the student develop coping mechanisms,

or manage anger issues. The teacher should also be a mentor. They are seen as role models and

students look up to them. Therefore, they should set an example in terms of behavior and work

ethic. They should be there to guide the students, especially those who are seeking mentorship.

Lastly, special education teachers must be supportive. After my field observation, I realized that

special education students need more than average support when learning. The teacher must
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remain patient and have the willingness to constantly support the student in any aspect of his/her

education.

The ultimate purpose of special education is to provide an intensive and individualized

support and attention to the students who need it. The best way to help special education students

is to know everything about their condition. The teacher has to understand the student’s strengths

and weaknesses. By doing so, he can get a whole picture of the student including the issues he

may face. However, if the teacher knows their strengths, he can help them in the most

appropriate and effective way through activities that interest them. I saw that in many cases,

special education classes consist of students in different grade levels. Therefore, I believe that

forming groups of students according to their level can help personalize the learning without

having to compromise the class instruction time. Each group can specialize materials according

to their level so that it is self-contained and self-guided. It would allow the teacher some time to

rotate into other groups to provide appropriate instructions.