Exploring the Differences Between Teachers and Special Education

When it comes to the role of educators, teachers and special education (SE) teachers may seem to share a common goal: imparting knowledge and aiding in the development of students. However, there are significant differences in their roles, qualifications, and the methods they employ to assist learners.

Understanding the Basics of Teachers and Special Education

A teacher is typically defined as someone who imparts learning to others. They are usually responsible for one or more subject areas within a particular grade or age group. For example, a teacher might specialize in math, language arts, science, or social studies.

In contrast, special education is a specialized field within education. It involves a system where teachers adapt their teaching methods to cater to the needs of students with special needs who may learn differently from their peers. This includes a wide range of learners from those with mild learning disabilities to those with more severe conditions like autism, ADHD, or physical and intellectual disabilities.

Types of Specialization

Unlike traditional teachers, special education teachers often require specialized training and credentials. They must possess the skills and knowledge to support students with diverse learning needs. Special education teachers can specialize in particular areas such as:

Mild Learning Disabilities: Focuses on helping students with mild learning disabilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Prepares teachers to work with students with ASD, including social and communication challenges. Physical Disabilities: Specializes in physical and gross motor skills development. Intellectual Disabilities: Assists students with developmental delays and cognitive impairments.

Some special education teachers also hold additional certifications, such as Reading Specialists, to enhance their ability to support students with specific reading difficulties.

Enhanced Educational Techniques

Unlike general teachers, special education teachers employ a variety of techniques designed to meet the unique needs of their students. These include:

Modified Curriculum: Creating adapted lesson plans and materials that cater to the specific learning styles and abilities of students. Supportive Instruction: Providing one-on-one or small group support to ensure that students understand the material and can apply it effectively. Assistance with Adaptations: Implementing classroom accommodations such as assistive technology, accommodations for tests, and modified schedules.

The Role of Certification

Special education teachers in many jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania (PA), must obtain a special education certification in addition to their general teaching certification. In PA, this means special education teachers must be certified in specific core subjects such as math, physics, and general science. This ensures they are well-versed in supporting students across different academic disciplines.

It is important to note that while special education teachers are paid equally to other teachers for the same workload, their responsibilities are often more extensive. They must handle a significant amount of legal paperwork related to accommodations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and other documents.

Collaboration and Adaptability

Special education is not a separate entity from general education; it is deeply integrated into the broader educational landscape. Increasingly, general education teachers are required to take special education courses. This is because many of the teaching strategies used in special education can be effective for all students. For instance, when a special education teacher works with a student with autism, they might develop techniques such as visual schedules and sensory breaks. These approaches can be beneficial for the whole class. In the context of my son, who is autistic, the adaptations I helped develop were often used for all his classmates as well.

In conclusion, while both teachers and special education teachers share the goal of helping students learn and grow, the scope and methodology of their work differ significantly. Special education teachers bring a unique set of skills and certifications to support students with diverse learning needs, often through a combination of modified curriculum, supportive instruction, and legal documentation. Collaboration and adaptability are key to both professions in today's educational environment.