Special education teaching-facing challenges and feeling fulfilled

I met her and attended to her medical needs when she was still a baby. Then she grew up and I lost track of her.

Until recently, with the power of the internet, I virtually met her again. I think I befriended her sometime on facebook, so I get to read her stories in messenger.

One day, she wrote that she is a Special Education teacher. I engaged with her right then and there and asked her if she would be up for an interview about her career.

And she agreed!

So here goes Ms Rica’s story on Special Education teaching and how she faces challenges, thus becoming better at her job each day, and feeling fulfilled with her career.

 

A special education teacher

 

How long have you been teaching?

“I have been in the field for six years and counting.”

Have you been teaching special kids all these years?

“Yes, I am currently a certified Special Education (SPED ) teacher here in the US since August 2016 and I handle students with moderate to severe Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD), Specific Learning Disability and Developmental Delay. 

In the Philippines, I taught for three years students diagnosed with mild to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Mental Retardation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), and Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ). “

Who motivated you to become a Special Education teacher?

“My mother is an elementary school teacher and even as a kid, I already envisioned myself to follow her footsteps. I would play as a “teacher ” with kid neighbors and relatives as my “pupils”. I loved teaching these small kids and it was always a happy time for us.

But it was my Aunt Mariza, my dad’s sister, who encouraged me to become a Special Education mentor. She said it is a fulfilling career.

My aunt’s influence, coupled with my childhood dream, the example that I saw in my mom, and my reflections on my future all contributed to what I am today. I believe my love for children, be they normal or special also inspired me to follow this path.”

What is your typical day like?

“Everyday ( from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM ) I teach all 24 of my children with special needs with ages ranging from 5-13. With the help of six teacher assistants, I handle the kids from 30 minutes to one and a half hour long depending on their disability, some in groups of 2-4, but I also do “one on one” if with severe impairment.

From 3:00 to 4:00 PM, I do paperwork and meetings. These include checking of worksheets, Individualized Education Program ( IEP ) meetings and helping my teacher assistants do their service logs.

After school, I try to connect online with my family and friends back home. On weekends, I explore beautiful places with local friends.”

Any struggles or big challenges on being a SPED teacher?

“Yes of course, and there’s a lot. Every day has its own story, such as adjusting to your students’ mood swings, pacifying different kind of outbursts and temper tantrums, etc. “

How do you handle a very difficult child?

” There are three major factors that I consider in dealing with a difficult child.

First, is building a connection with the child. I really have to let them feel that I care and want to help them .

Second is identifying the best calming technique that is suitable for that difficult child. Would it be a massage therapy, art therapy, play therapy, the use of behavior charts, chunking method of providing the activities, etc.

Third is to always make sure that you are firm and consistent in implementing the rules or agreement you have with the child because this difficult child may just be testing your patience limit.

Once I have established the good connection and authority as a teacher towards him or her, then I can eventually de-escalate the behavior problem and divert the situation into something positive. “

Do you involve the parents in teaching their kids?

” Yes, this is really important and should not be overlooked.

I am dedicated to helping my students improve their academic and behavioral performances, but when the parents are not doing their part in implementing the suggested IEP goals that I have created for their child, for most instances, there is no progress.

On the contrary, when the parents are doing their part, it is very evident that there is improvement in their child’s overall performance.

Having a strong parent and teacher partnership is essential in the special children’s progress. “

How do you feel at the end of a school-day?

” Like a typical teacher, I feel exhausted after school. However, I really feel happy when I am able to control my students’ daily outbursts and help them make a difference in their lives despite their disabilities.”

What makes you happy or fulfilled on a certain day?

” Seeing my students enjoy the tasks given to them and witnessing their progress are the things that truly make my day happy. No amount of money can satisfy that kind of feeling. “

Any advice/s on those who plan to pursue a career as a Special Education teacher?

” Being a SPED teacher is a challenging but a fulfilling job. You need to have more patience, 100% dedication and a big heart for children with special needs.

You must be ready to experience the worst case scenarios. I have been bitten, slapped, spat on, punched and kicked.

I learned my lesson by being alert all the time.

As long as you are truly passionate with your career, it will feel as if you are just doing your “purpose” and not being paid to do a “job”.

How do you de-stress after a difficult day?

” I always communicate with my family especially with my mother and my sister.

I also try to socialize with my friends after work and on weekends.

I make sure I leave work on time and schedule things that I love doing, like hiking, baking, and trying new food and restaurants. “

There’s a point in our career that we realize we made a difference in someone’s life, in your case a special child’s life. Please share your story with our readers.

” When I receive flattering comments from the parents, that’s when I know, I am doing my purpose.

I will never forget that time when one of the parents of my students in the Philippines told me that she wanted to adopt me as her daughter because she really likes my attitude and dedication in my chosen career.

In addition to this, a lot of the parents of my former students, and even my tutees in the Philippines were encouraging me to build my own school in the future.

With God’s grace, timing and requirements, I can probably do that, but of course, I need to consider a lot of things and pursue further studies.

Hopefully I will build my own school in the future because it is my dream.

I would really feel exultant and be the happiest person in the whole universe once I achieve that goal. “

Special education teaching is a passion for Ms Rica.

 

Lucky for Ms Rica because she has studied something that she loves doing leading to enjoyment in her career, thus she is now so passionate in teaching her students with special needs.

This only goes to show that if we love what we do, struggles become challenges and we can overcome these with acceptance in our hearts that this is just part of the package.

We also welcome these challenges because through them, we learn and become better in our craft.

We hope we can be triumphant with you Ms Rica when that time comes that you will become directress of your very own school for special children.

We wish you all the luck in your future endeavors.

 

This post contains affiliate links. We might earn a commission when you purchase or sign up to something. Your fees are not at all affected.

 

How does your special child thrive in school? Does he enjoy going to school everyday? Does he talk about how his teacher is so kind and helpful? We love to hear your comments. Please post them below.

Fun and function toys

 

Are you a Special Education teacher? Do you feel that you have touched a special child’s heart and have contributed to his or her development or improvement of his disability? Please share your story with us by commenting below.

 

Check out these awesome stuff for your child with special needs. Click on the image to see the price.

mushy smushy bean chairs
These mushy smushy bean bag chairs provide tactile stimulation to kids who love to wiggle.
Pressure foam roller
This pressure foam roller provides deep pressure massage therapy for relaxation.

 

 

 

 

 

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16 thoughts on “Special education teaching-facing challenges and feeling fulfilled”

  1. I have had the privilege to work with Miss Rica here in the United States and I can attest to her dedication to her students and the joy she finds and gives as a teacher. She makes connections with each of her students and knows that an outburst by a student isn’t because they are “naughty” kids, but that they are struggling with something at school or home and that is how they communicate. She challenges her students to be the best student and person they can be with kindness, generosity, fun and love. She is constantly learning. If she doesn’t completely know an answer she will research and learn more to be a better teacher. She continues to be a learner in many ways. She is an adventurous and strong young woman and I am proud to call her my friend!

    Reply
  2. Bless your heart Ms.Rica. I being a parent of a child with special needs, I really find it uplifting to get to know people who has a heart for special children.May your tribe increase.

    God bless!!

    Reply
  3. Hey there! Thanks for taking the time to write this detailed interview. I really like how you are spreading awareness in your community both online and offline about kids with special needs. This was very eye opening for me as I never thought that something as simple as a smile could make such a big difference.

    Thanks for caring and sharing!

    Marlinda

    Reply
    • Hi Marlinda,

      Children with special needs have the capability to be the best that they can be. 

      Thanks for the dedication of special needs teachers like Ms Rica, these kids are given the attention and guidance to reach their fullest potential and become independent later in their lives.

      Our smiles mean a lot to others who are recipients of this gesture. For kids with special needs, a smile especially from their teacher means that they are loved and cared for .

      Thanks for the appreciation.

      Marita

      Reply
  4. This is the best reading I have done in a very long time about a teacher who specializes in teaching children with special needs. I know several children with special needs and for them to have a teacher this awesome would benefit them even more than the ones they have now, not saying they are not good teachers they are. Dedication of this magnitude deserves recognition to the person who took the time to give this teacher the gracious interview and published it I commend you.

    Thank you very much for making this public and I will continue to look forward to seeing this teacher open her very own school one day!

    Reply
    • Hi Susan,

      Thanks for your very nice comments.

      Teachers of special kids like Ms Rica truly deserves honor and recognition for their passion and dedication to their craft.  

      I love interviewing people as passionate as her and sharing their experiences for others to learn from.

      I’m also excited to welcome her very own school for children with special needs. Such a noble dream.

      God bless.

      Marita 

      Reply
  5. Wow. You guys are awesome. Kudos and way to go. I used to work as a therapy tech with people who had behavior disorders or some sort of similar issue, as well as Down’s Syndrome. There were good and bad days but it taught me so much and could even be fun at times. And, more than anything, the feeling of being able to have a positive impact on a day to day basis…that is priceless.

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Thanks for your nice comments.

      Glad to know somebody who had first hand experience in working with people who have special needs. I know how you feel, just like Ms Rica and other SPED teachers, helping these vulnerable people is very fulfilling. It is really heartwarming when you have made a difference in someone’s life, more so with those with special needs.

      I’m glad you stopped by.

      God bless,

      Marita

      Reply
  6. Hey Marita. What an incredible post and what an incredible person Ms. Rica is! Wow! Personally, I have several friends who are elementary school teachers. They sometimes tell us about their jobs and I imagine it quite stressful already. I cannot imagine how challenging this job must be when ALL the kids you teach are somewhat extraordinary and have so many special needs. Impressive, really! All the best to you and Ms. Rica! chris

    Reply
    • Hi Chris,

      You are right, teaching is quite stressful especially with little ones and kids with special needs.

      That’s why they have teacher assistants to help them out and they divide the schedule so the kids don’t come at the same time. That way, the teacher can focus on mentoring them really well.

      Ms Rica is definitely one of those teachers who love their job and enjoy what they do despite challenges.

      Thanks for visiting.

      Marita

      Reply

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