When I finally get a job teaching Exceptional Students do i get to pick my grade? Or will it be assigned?

Question

I would really like to work with lower grades k-2

Do I have a choice? Or No?

Answer 1

It depends on the school system.

I spent 5 years at a K-6 school. Then 11 years at a school for grades 3-5, which I requested when my school paired with another. Now, I'm in my 4th year with grades 9-12, which I requested. Before all this I taught community college and regular ed K-1 and 3rd grade. So I was able to negotiate what I wanted.

It also depends on the demand of services. How many disabled students attend a school, or the degree of disability severity at any given school. You could just be a resource teacher and teach pull-outs to those with mild needs, a self-contained teacher and have students all day with moderate to severe disabilities, or an inclusion teacher in which you work with the mildest needs in a classroom with a regular ed teacher.

However, besides my special ed degree, I also have an early childhood degree for regular ed which makes me "highly qualified" to teach special ed in grades K-3. That is under the No Child Left Behind law. With the implementation of this law a teacher must be highly qualified to teach, so it might be in your best interest to obtain a degree in early childhood as well as special ed in order to get assigned to K-2.

Answer 2

Generally speaking when you apply for a job it will be advertised for the specific grade so you can apply for those jobs that involve teaching primary students. Sometimes depending on a districts openings they will ask if you are willing or want to be considered for teaching other grades, but that is your choice. Generally in the end they will offer you a specific classroom/ grade(s) so you will know and can decide if it is a good fit.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Basically it will depend on the school administrators, your senority, and the supervisors.  Some will let you pick, others will just assign.  You can at least express your desires to the person over that department.  Most I know don't want the k-2 grades.   Good luck

Answer 4

You can state a preference, but if all the slots are filled, you will be assigned to the place where the need is greatest.  If an opening arises in the grades you are interested in, it will probably be offered to those with seniority first