Is being a special education teacher hard?

Question

Is being a special education teacher hard?

Answer 1

There are reduced numbers in the classrooms and extra classroom assistance given.

It is a whole different way of teaching as often they do not retain what you have told them, but every step is a step and as long as you tell the parents what they have achieved rather than what they cannot do, you would enjoy it.

Answer 2

It is quite a challenge. The paperwork, for one.

Look at our numbers, we are always in demand (like math and science).

To be highly qualified under No Child Left behind you must not only be certified in special ed, but also certified in the subject you teach. You must be highly qualified to get a job. We have to pay for the education we get, but we do not get any more pay than those certified in one subject.

Other challenges include student behaviors, parent behaviors, colleague behaviors, administration behaviors, our own behaviors, the laws, effects of rain, effects of the moon . . .

Every job has its rewards and challenges. Bottom line don't go into the field unless you love it.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say it is hard, but it can be challenging.  There is a great deal of paperwork that needs to be done, but after so many years of being a special education teacher it's not that bad. Many times the most challenging part is dealing with parents who expect miracles or who are too demanding.  That's a challenge for any teacher no matter the subject.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I think it depends on what school you are at. Sometimes schools put problem kids into special education. Its mainly kids with ADHD or hyperactivity and they dont want the other teachers bothered by the behavior. The kids that need to be put into Special education are kids that cant read very well, have learning disabilities, who cant write very well..you know. In the intercity, the bad kids are put in special education, not the kids with the learning disabilities.

Intercity it will be hard, suburbs you will have a better time. You have to have patience, time and lots of energy.

Answer 5

Depends on how long you do it, which disabilities you teach, what students you have that year. It's not easy. I'm a first year teacher with BD students and I had to go on anti-depressants because my job was so hard I was crying after school everyday. The first six months were awful. I got beat up, bit, you name it.

Answer 6

It takes a certain person to be a sped teacher.

A person who understands LD. I had LD and

regular ed teachers said it was because I was lazy

and not applying myself,they did not understand.

You will deal with parents who expect you to cure their kid. There is no magic cure,the objective is

is to learn how to do things in spite of having a LD.

Answer 7

My daughter is a special needs teacher and adores 'her kids'.

There are reduced numbers in the classrooms and extra classroom assistance given.

It is a whole different way of teaching as often they  do not retain what you have told them, but every step is a step and as long as you tell the parents what they have achieved rather than what they cannot do, you would enjoy it.

Answer 8

It can be overwhelming at times but its so rewarding! Especially when you work with those who have severe disibilities... they love life and love everyone around them!