BLOG NINE

"When working with special education teachers what are your challenges? Strengths? What could be done to increase your skills in this area?"

While I do not work directly with any SPED teachers, I do have SPED para-professionals in two of my classes.  I find my biggest challenge is that I do not always clearly articulate my expectations for what the para is supposed to do during the class period.  While I always have materials ready for him, I feel like at time he is not doing exactly what I want, but I realize this is probably because I do not make my expectations clear.  However, in general I do prepare the materials and answer keys for my para and I feel that this makes it a lot easier on him.  Furthermore, it is also good to have him in the classroom because he can keep an eye on the special education students and let me know who might need some extra attention.  In order to increase my skills in this area I think I need to get a bit better at my communication with my para.  I think it would be useful to meet with him on Monday mornings to go over my lessons for the week and to give him a head's up on what he will be doing during the classes that week.  This way he can also ask me any questions he has and I can make sure he understands his role that week.