How to Be Special Education Inclusion Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 16, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The importance of special education inclusion teachers is increasing as the recognition of the need to support learners with special needs grows. Special education inclusion teachers provide the necessary support and guidance to students with disabilities, helping them to meet their educational goals and increase their chances of success. Such teachers are specially trained to work with a wide range of students, including those who are physically challenged, learning disabled, and emotionally disturbed.

Through the use of evidence-based instruction and modifications, special education inclusion teachers can help create an inclusive learning environment that not only meets the needs of all learners, but also increases student engagement and encourages participation. This in turn helps to foster a sense of self-worth, confidence and belonging while providing better access to education and resources. the presence of special education inclusion teachers can lead to improved academic performance and better life outcomes for learners with disabilities.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A bachelors degree in special education or a related field is the first step to becoming a special education inclusion teacher. Coursework should include classes on special education and disability studies, health and safety, teaching methods, and early childhood development.
Get Certified. After completing a bachelors degree program, teachers should pursue certification from their states board of education. Some states require additional testing such as the Praxis Series or the National Teacher Examination (NTE).
Pursue a Masters Degree. While not required, a masters degree in special education can provide teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to work with students with disabilities and their families. Coursework should include classes on assessment and instruction, learning disabilities, technology and intervention strategies related to inclusion classrooms.
Obtain a Special Education Inclusion Teacher Position. After completing the necessary steps, teachers can look for job openings in their area or apply to any open positions they may come across. Many schools prefer candidates who have previous experience working in special education.
Complete On-the-Job Training. On-the-job training is an important part of becoming a special education inclusion teacher. During this time, teachers will learn about the schools policies and procedures for working with students with disabilities and their families. They will also gain experience with various inclusion strategies and instructional methods.

Special education inclusion teachers are skilled and capable professionals who are responsible for providing learning opportunities that maximize the potential of students with special needs. These teachers work to create an environment in which every student can feel included and accepted, regardless of their disability. By removing barriers to learning, they are able to ensure that all students have access to the same educational opportunities.

This helps to reduce disparities in academic achievement among students with special needs, while also promoting social and emotional development. Furthermore, inclusion teachers provide support and guidance to both students and parents, helping to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to their student's education. their efforts are essential for helping students with special needs reach their fullest potential.

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Job Description

Develop an individualized education program (IEP) for each student with special needs in the classroom
Ensure that all students with special needs have access to the general curriculum and a safe learning environment
Monitor and assess student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
Collaborate and communicate regularly with parents, administrators, and other staff members
Work with paraprofessionals to implement and monitor student goals
Modify and differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning styles of students
Provide accommodations and modifications to ensure all students have access to the curriculum
Advocate for students with special needs in the classroom and in the school environment
Create a positive learning environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate behavior
Attend and participate in IEP meetings, parent conferences, and other meetings as required

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal and state regulations regarding special education services
Understanding of the different disabilities, including their physical and behavioral characteristics and how they affect learning
Ability to plan and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
Ability to use a variety of instructional strategies and techniques to promote student learning
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
Knowledge of assistive technology and how it can be used to support student learning
Ability to assess student progress and develop clear, achievable goals
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to student behavior
Ability to effectively manage a classroom, including disciplining students in a positive, constructive way
Knowledge of effective classroom management strategies

One of the most important skills for a Special Education Inclusion Teacher is the ability to effectively collaborate with the student, their family, and other professionals in order to create an individualized educational plan for the student. This requires a teacher to be able to understand the student's needs and then develop a plan that meets those needs while integrating into the general curriculum. This skill is especially important for Special Education Inclusion Teachers, since they are charged with making sure that every student is receiving an appropriate education that meets their individual needs.

Effective collaboration requires the teacher to be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, build trust and respect, and understand how to best meet the student's needs. The teacher must also have a working knowledge of the laws and regulations governing special education and be able to advocate for students and their families to ensure they receive the services they need. Successfully collaborating with all involved parties can make a significant difference in the academic outcomes of special needs students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have you supported students with special needs in the past?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful inclusion experience for all students?
How do you help ensure that all students, regardless of ability, are able to learn and access the curriculum?
How have you collaborated with other professionals (e. g. , occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists) to support students with special needs?
What are your strategies for classroom management with students who have special needs?
How do you modify instruction to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities?
What experience do you have working with families of students with special needs?
How do you handle difficult situations involving students with special needs?
What techniques do you use to help students with special needs advocate for themselves?
What challenges have you faced as a special education inclusion teacher, and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Curriculum Alignment Tool. This tool assists teachers in aligning their instruction with the standards and expectations for special education students. (eg: GPS for Special Education Alignment Tool)
Goal Tracking System. This tool allows teachers to set, track, and monitor the academic and social-emotional goals of their special education students. (eg: EPAS Goal Tracker)
Differentiated Instruction Suite. This tool provides teachers with resources to create individualized instruction plans based on the needs of their special education students. (eg: Differentiated Instruction Kit)
Universal Design for Learning Software. This software allows teachers to create a learning environment that is accessible to all students, including those with special needs. (eg: UDL Toolkit)
Behavior Management System. This system assists teachers in managing the behaviors and emotions of their special education students. (eg: Positive Behavior Supports System)
Data Collection Tools. These tools allow teachers to collect, analyze, and report data on the progress of their special education students. (eg: Data Fairy Dashboard)

Professional Organizations to Know

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA)
Autism Society of America (ASA)
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
National Education Association (NEA)
Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD)
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)

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Common Important Terms

IEP (Individualized Education Plan). A written document developed for each student with a disability that outlines the student's educational goals and services needed to meet those goals.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). An environment designed to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities in an integrated setting with non-disabled peers, to the maximum extent appropriate.
Adaptive Behavior. Adjusting behavior to accommodate changes in the environment.
Accommodations. Adjustments made to the curriculum, instruction, or assessment to enable a student with a disability to access the content more effectively.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL). A framework for designing instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials that can be used by all students, regardless of their individual learning styles or needs.
Differentiated Instruction. A teaching approach designed to meet the different learning styles, interests, and abilities of each student in a classroom.
Response to Intervention (RTI). An approach used to identify students at risk for academic failure and provide them with interventions to help them succeed.
Collaborative Teaching. A teaching approach in which two or more educators jointly plan and deliver instruction to a group of students.
Inclusive Education. An approach designed to ensure that all students are provided the same educational opportunities, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). An approach used to create a positive school environment by teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Inclusion Teacher?

An Inclusion Teacher is an educator who works with students with special needs in a regular classroom setting to support their academic and social integration into the classroom community.

What qualities do Inclusion Teachers need?

Inclusion Teachers need to have a strong understanding of special education laws and best practices, excellent communication and collaboration skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment.

How many students can an Inclusion Teacher typically work with?

An Inclusion Teacher typically works with up to 10 students at a time, depending on the size and nature of the classroom.

What type of support do Inclusion Teachers provide?

Inclusion Teachers provide individualized instruction and accommodations, develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs), collaborate with school staff and parents, facilitate communication between all stakeholders, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

What qualifications are needed to be an Inclusion Teacher?

To be an Inclusion Teacher, one must possess at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, hold a valid certification or license in the state they are teaching in, and have experience working with students with special needs in a classroom setting.

Web Resources

Role of Special Education Teachers in an Inclusive Classroom soeonline.american.edu
MS Special Education (Inclusion) | University at Albany www.albany.edu
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do? www.alliant.edu