Special Education/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have been teaching junior high special education for several years but am also familiar with high school and elementary special education. I can accept questions on IEP's, accomodations, testing, goals, behavior plans, learning disorders, placement, parental rights, student rights and am mildly familiar with special education students with addictions. I am NOT able to answer questions on hearing or vision impaired, early childhood, or EMH/TMH/CBI cases.

Experience in the area

I am currently teaching junior high level self-contained learning disabled students and have been for six and a half years. I recently worked with teens dealing with addiction. I have worked with children for over 17 years in various capacities and age levels.

Organizations

PBIS- Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies and Kappa Delta Pi. BR>
Education/Credentials
I carry an LBS-1 lmited certificate for K-12.

Education/Credentials

I carry an LBS-1 lmited certificate for K-12.

Awards and Honors

Honors Student

What do you like about this subject?

I love the challenge of working with these children, finding out what makes information click with them, their individuality and personality and the look on their faces when they finally understand.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

My goal is to continue in the educational field and to obtain a masters degree in either special education or social work. I plan to work directly with children for as long as I can.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I think many people assume that when a child is placed in special education they are not smart. That is an untruth! These are very smart children, they just learn in different ways and at a different pace.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Labeling students for their learning disabilities can be controversial. Labeling is done for various reasons, but not to hurt or harm. It tells a teacher/specialist where, socially, emotionally and educationally the child funtctions. It's hard, and often hurtful, to tell parents that their child is 'mentally handicapped' when they are socially and emotionally at the same level as their peers.