There have been many discussions regarding what makes a teacher "highly" qualified to teach. Is it a degree? Is it how long they have been teaching? Is it the population of children they have worked with? Having a degree doesn't mean that a teacher is qualified to teach; however, not having a degree doesn't mean they are not qualified to teach. As a certified Special Education teacher I have worked in the public and private school sectors and have had the opportunity to work with professionals with varying levels of experience. I have found that some of the best "teachers" are those that are open to ideas, are willing to take risks, and who can most importantly build a relationship with a child. As both a parent of two children and the owner of a learning center for children on the spectrum, I look for individuals willing to take risks, try new interventions, intermingle ideas, network with other professionals, communicate with parents on an ongoing basis, and unconditionally love the children we work with. In this blog, I am asking the following:
1. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, what would you describe as a highly qualifed teacher?
2. As a professional working with children on the spectrum, what would you describe as a highly qualified teacher?
I hope to hear from many of you soon:)
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Comments
teaching, students, certification
A degree does not a teacher make. Teaching comes from the heart. It's a desire to reach out and make someone's life better. Students sense genuine care. As a teacher, balancing flexibility and predictability is key, as no two spectrum students react exactly, but they all need stability and trust. 'Highly Qualified' is a label the NCLB authorities came up with based on specific college class credits per subject. Overrated rating, if you ask me. Effective teachers invest themselves in student progress. It's a calling. And increasingly challenging. Special Education certification needs to be more student (population) specific. As it is now, if you take the EC-12 test, you can teach any grade, any disability, regardless of expertise or experience. Talk about an umbrella!! ~a
Degree and Qualification
Lesli Bernanke
Director of Under the Umbrella
UtU
I couldn't agree more!! This is exactly why I posed this question! Thank you so much for responding! I have my Generalist Spec. Ed certificate and taught in the behavior unit for a couple of years. I was not very effective because I lacked the specific training and know-how to interact effectively with the students. Unfortunately, I worked in a school that was not supportive of the program itself. I felt, that at the time, I did all I could. I believe the key to a great "teacher" is compassion, desire, willingness, being open to any and all ideas, and most importantly continuing to educate oneself and others. I look forward to hearing what others have to say on this topic!
Lesli