special ed concerns

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special ed concerns
By Cathy-Dee

It can be difficult when you have a new teacher in a position when the last teacher was so terrific.

I often approach new teachers or sometimes even "old" ones if I am not sure why they are doing something or I don't agree
with what they are doing in a manner that is more questioning on my side.
So basically I ask them why they are using this approach or if I am sending one of my students out, I ask them (after they have had a session or two with my student) what skills do they think my student needs more help with. Then I ask them what will they be doing in their room so that I can also reinforce what

they are doing in my room.

By asking you do several things.
1) make them aware that you do pay attention to what they are doing.
2) gain an understanding for their techniques and ideas
3) open the door for further conversations
4) help them to focus on your student
5) allows you the opportunity to make suggestions especially if your students are involved

Although you may be right in your preceptions of this new teacher, I have sometimes been surprised myself when after talking with another colleague that their way also makes sense. If this new colleague is new to the teaching profession, it also takes time for them to learn how the school functions and how to best meet the needs of all students.

Other ways you might be able to "help" this teacher is to suggest to the Principal that it would be nice to have a weekly report (verbal or written) on your students as you often have parents asking how their child is doing in both your class and with the special educuation teacher. By having the weekly report you can better monitor your student's progress in class in comparison with what and how they are doing in the special ed classroom. This would help keep the new teacher accountable especially if he is not able to handle students who "do not want to work" when they come to his classroom.

If after you have tried some new approaches you still feel that he is not meeting your student's needs then you should tell him more directly and give him a chance to give an explanation. If this still doesn't work, then let him know you plan to talk to the Principal about your student's program and progress. And then do talk to your Principal. Regardless your student's needs do come first and the Principal may need to step in a bit more to help this teacher fit into your school in a more productive manner.

p.s. I'm writing this at 3 a.m., I'm not sure why I'm still up, but forgive me if I didn't make complete sense in some areas.