In many schools across the US, special education teachers are often at the short end of the stick regarding getting support from their classroom. The student-teacher ratio is unusually low, and there’s almost no parent participation because of the smaller pool of people in the first place.
We are still in an age with a large number of self-contained classrooms that run low on supplies and adequate support. This is because they aren’t connected to a grade level school where resources are shared. Here’s how you can support special education teachers and help them get through the year.
Become a room parent
There are times when a special educator goes without a room parent. There’s no fault with the students’ families though. They are already stretched thin. If your child receives special education and participates in general education for most of the day, try splitting your time with another parent for providing support. A special education classroom often needs coverage for attending special luncheons and school-wide events.
Donate supplies”
Hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes, tissues, and similar things, usually exhaust fast in a special kids’ classroom. Ask the educator whether there’s any stock that you can replenish. Special educators often get used to asking for supplies. It thus comes as a surprise if someone comes and gives some stuff and sound words of encouragement. Maybe some parents can contribute funds to buy a real world gaming app tab as a teaching instrument for the class.
Join a PTA
This is one of the best ways by which you can help a special education teacher. Some parent-teacher associations (PTAs) have a committee to include families of special needs children in school activities. If your child’s school doesn’t have a PTA, suggest having one at the next general assembly. You can also contact the PTA president. Part of a school PTA’s mission involves including all students to align their mission at the national level.
Communicate regularly
Well, some teachers often get frustrated with the parents over-communicating. Everyone has his/her own comfort level. Special educators find it easiest to communicate with those with whom they have a professional relationship. It’s important that the classroom teacher knows how things are going in home, or how the family spent its weekend, especially where children are working on functional communication. Communicate with your child’s educator regularly, and at home, introduce real world gaming apps to improve social skills.
Say “Thank you”
The National Teacher Appreciation Week, popularly known as the national teacher’s week, is held in May every year. Parents and schools take time to thank teachers for what they have done for their children. Unfortunately, special educators are often left out of the larger celebrations. This is because room parents are the people who coordinate gifts, encourage cards and treat each other to thank you. This is often found lacking for special educators. Say thank you to special teachers. They may not be used to it and come as a surprise. But they’ll love it and get encouraged to teach better.