Real-Life Communication
You have been working as the special education teacher at Parker
School for the past year. You enjoy your job and the camaraderie you have
with your staff, special needs students and the parents of the special needs
students.
However, you feel that many others in the school system and
the community do not really know what you do. You haven't had the time to
fully explain to the staff your role in the school.
You've already
spoken with the parents of the special needs students. Now you want to reach
the parents of all of the other students.
Every time the report cards
go out to the students, a newsletter is included that goes to all the parents.
The newsletter has articles written by various people throughout the school.
The
teacher in charge of this newsletter sends out a memo about three weeks before
it is published, to see if any of the staff want to contribute. You decide
to write an article to explain your place in the school system.
"Communicating
in print is important," says Linda Underwood. She is a special education teacher.
"Regular clear communication keeps people informed and able to support the
school more effectively."
Here are some of the key points you want
to mention in your article:
- You are responsible for making decisions regarding each special needs
student's school program, i.e. courses, support, approach and more.
- You work as a team with support workers, parents, students, district teachers,
special education assistants, therapists, teachers, administrators and community
members.
- You work as the liaison between the school and all of these people.
- You need to make decisions daily regarding how each student is approached,
challenged and nurtured.