Tips to become a successful special educator

When you are a special educator, you must reach out to a disabled child in the best ways. The guidance and support that a special educator gives the child helps them in many ways. Here are some tips to become a successful special educator.

Being a teacher is not easy. When you are a special educator who teaches children with disabilities, it can only get tougher. There might be days when you are stressed and worn out. Sometimes, you might be unsure on how or where to begin teaching a disabled child. Teachers need as much as guidance as children. With a few tips, special education can be less stressful, fun and exciting. After all, it is a learning curve for special educators and children together.

Shiny Vinson, Principal of Navajeevan Special School in Kochi follows some exclusive tips at their centre.

At our school, we ensure to find out more about the child’s background and from where they are coming. It includes details about their past schools too. So once we know the child’s strengths and weaknesses, we can work on it. Always be nice to the child. Being harsh on them will only make things worse for the child and teacher- Shiny Vinson, Principal, Navajeevan Special School.

Here are some tips to become a successful special educator

Get advice– It is always best if you can take some advice from people who have been in the field for a longer time. You can take the information that they give you. But you need to do it only if you feel right about it. The needs and requirement for each disabled children is different. So get advice and use it when needed.

Build strong relationships– A teacher must have a great relationship with the student. They must have an equally strong bond with parents of the students as well. Parents are often stressed out about the growth of their child. So hold talks with them. Do not make them feel de-motivated. For example, you can call them inside the child’s classroom and show them around. Talking to them in a positive manner will only make them feel happier and better.

Being accountable matters– When you are a teacher, you have a huge impact on the child. Hence, it is important to stay with them and guide them throughout. It is equally important to be responsible and accountable to whatever the child does, whether it is good or bad.

Find a work-life balance– When you are a special educator, you must have a healthy body and mind. You cannot put in your best if you are tired and stressed. Find things which can make you happy. Take rest. Do things that make you happy and relaxed.

Being a successful special educator is not only about theoretical knowledge. It takes immense practice to reach out to a disabled child successfully. Each child is different. So the techniques you use for one child might not work for the other. It also depends on the child’s mood and reactions. This profession takes a lot of patience. You cannot expect results very fast. Have a good relationship with parents. It is extremely important”, says Subhashini Rao, co-founder, Sankalp Special School in Chennai.