What's it like to be a kindergarten, preschool, or special education teacher like?

Question

I'm debating if i want to be a early childhood teacher or a special education teacher.

Answer 1

Going into a teaching career can be very demanding, and all three kinds of teachers are different.  Preschool teachers don't necessarily have such a rigid curriculum.  Kindergarten teachers have an average of 18 kids per class (many times more) and have the responsibility of teaching them how to behave socially as well as teach the academics.  A Special Ed. teacher can be K-12th grade and also be very demanding.  I suggest you visit many classes while you take general ed classes and then decide.

Answer 2

Special education is difficult and for people that are patient. It depends on what type of class/age/disabilities your students have, but it will not be typical of a regular class. For me, I spend hours modifying and adapting curriculum to a way that can be taught to my class. I also get blamed when the kids don't do well on the state exams that they are expected to pass like their general ed counterparts. I feel like none of the other teachers/administrators in my school (I'm in a general ed building) understand what it's like to be in my position. Sometimes, they discriminate against my class because of the type of class it is. I'm also bombarded with extra paperwork because the kids have IEP's. Despite this, I would not do anything else. It is an amazing feeling when the children achieve and reach goals. I have dual certification in special ed/regular ed but I prefer special ed and it's all I've ever done in my four year career.

Answer 3

Teaching special education is demanding, but one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet.  You constantly have to be on your toes.  You need to be able to change your plan on the fly when the kids "just don't get it" and you have to have the patience of a saint.

I am a 7th/8th grade special ed science teacher.  My job requires that I plan multiple lab experiences and prep notes like they are going out of style.  I wouldn't change it for the world because of these two things:  I love the kids (even when they don't always love me) and everyday is a different day.  You have to get to know the kids as people and learn to wipe the slate clean each day to give the kids what they need.

Answer 4

In NYS early childhood includes the grades pre-k to 8th grade.  You are in charge of the entire class of students (up to 30), and depending on the district you may be teaching all the subjects or two of them for example: Math and Science (or English and Social Studies, etc).  The special education teacher also has the same responsibilities, again depending on district however, has a maxmium of 10 to 15 students with aides in the classroom along with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for each student.  The IEP lists educational goals along with testing modifications and other student specific information.