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

Apr 7, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Special education resource teachers play an important role in helping students with disabilities achieve their educational goals. They provide personalized instruction and support to students in order to help them succeed in the classroom. This support can range from helping students with their daily school work to advocating for their individual needs.

The effect of this support is that students with disabilities become better prepared for the future and are better able to reach their full potential. This, in turn, increases their chances of succeeding in college and finding meaningful employment after graduation. Special education resource teachers also have a positive impact on the overall school environment by promoting an inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all students.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Obtain a bachelor's degree in special education from an accredited college or university. This typically requires four years of study and covers topics such as behavior management, learning disabilities, curriculum development and assessment.
Obtain Certification. Most states require special education teachers to be certified in order to teach in a public school. Each state has its own certification requirements, but typically these include completing a teacher preparation program, passing a background check and passing the Praxis II Special Education exam.
Complete an Advanced Degree. Many states require special education resource teachers to have a master's degree in special education or a related field. This typically requires two years of full-time study, during which you may take courses such as curriculum development, assessment and research in special education.
Gain Experience. Most states also require special education resource teachers to have at least three years of experience teaching special education before they can become certified. During this time, you should gain experience working with students with different types of disabilities, as well as managing challenging behaviors.
Become Certified. Once you have met all of the necessary requirements, you can apply for certification as a special education resource teacher in your state. The application process will vary depending on the state, but typically includes submitting a portfolio of your work and passing an additional exam.

Being a special education resource teacher requires staying up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and practices in the field. For those who want to remain qualified and be the best they can be in their role, there are a few key steps they can take to stay informed. Firstly, they should stay in contact with colleagues and peers in their field to discuss new developments and strategies.

reading professional journals, attending conferences, and taking continuing education courses are essential for staying knowledgeable about special education. Finally, staying up-to-date on current laws and regulations related to special education is essential for any special education resource teacher. By following these steps, special education resource teachers can ensure that they remain updated on the latest information and remain qualified to serve the needs of their students.

You may want to check Math Teacher, Reading Teacher, and Literacy Teacher for alternative.

Job Description

Develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and provide guidance to teachers, school administrators, and other educational professionals on best practices for meeting the needs of students with disabilities.
Collaborate with general education teachers and other school personnel to create an inclusive environment for students with special needs.
Develop and implement strategies for addressing the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of students with disabilities.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback and support to classroom teachers.
Create and present educational programs, professional development workshops, and parent education sessions.
Assist in the evaluation of students for special education services.
Consult with parents, physicians, and other professionals about the educational needs of students.
Develop and maintain communication with parents to ensure their involvement in their childs education.
Participate in meetings and conferences to discuss student progress and strategies for improvement.
Research best practices in special education and keep up-to-date on changes in state and federal regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of special education laws and regulations
Knowledge of Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
Ability to develop and implement individualized instruction plans
Ability to effectively communicate with parents and other professionals
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to effectively manage a classroom
Understanding of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Ability to collaborate with other professionals and school personnel
Knowledge of assessment procedures and techniques
Understanding of behavior management strategies
Knowledge of assistive technology
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with students
Patience and empathy with students

Being a Special Education Resource Teacher requires a range of skills, but the most important skill to possess is the ability to build relationships. This skill is essential for building trust with students, parents, and staff members. A good relationship is key to successful communication, which is necessary for teachers to be able to effectively support the students in their classrooms.

Good relationships also allow teachers to understand individual student needs and create specialized learning plans. having strong relationships with other staff members will help teachers to collaborate and share best practices, which is important for maximizing student progress. this skill of forming relationships will help Special Education Resource Teachers to create a supportive environment for their students and ensure their success.

Gifted Education Teacher, Montessori Teacher, and Home Economics Teacher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with special education students?
How would you handle a situation in which a student displays challenging behavior?
What strategies would you use to help a student with difficulty mastering a concept or skill?
How do you collaborate with parents and other professionals to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for a student?
What methods do you use to assess a student's progress and performance?
What approach do you take when communicating and collaborating with other teachers, faculty, and staff?
How do you ensure that special education students are receiving the same quality of instruction as their peers?
How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students at different levels of learning?
What do you think is the most important quality for a special education teacher to possess?
Describe your experience working with culturally diverse students in the classroom.

Common Tools in Industry

Text-to-Speech Software. This software converts text into audio and is used to help students with language and reading disabilities. (e. g. , Read&Write Gold)
Screen Reader. This software reads aloud the content of the computer screen. It is used to help people with visual impairments or blind students access the computer. (e. g. , NVDA)
Speech Recognition. This software recognizes and transcribes spoken words into text. It is used to help students with physical disabilities and other impairments that make it difficult to type. (e. g. , Dragon Naturally Speaking)
Video Magnifier. This device enlarges an image on a computer monitor to make it easier for people with visual impairments to read the text on the screen. (e. g. , ZoomText)
Joystick. This device is used with a computer and allows students with physical disabilities to navigate the computer using one hand. (e. g. , Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick)
Adaptive Keyboard. This keyboard has special features that can be programmed to help people with physical disabilities type more easily. (e. g. , BigKeys LX)
Braille Display. This device connects to a computer and can translate text into Braille, which is useful for blind students or those with low vision. (e. g. , Focus 14 Blue Braille Display)

Professional Organizations to Know

Council for Exceptional Children
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
National Association of Special Education Teachers
National Association of State Directors of Special Education
Council of Administrators of Special Education
International Dyslexia Association
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Autism Society of America
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

We also have English Teacher, Yoga Teacher, and Science Teacher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

IEP (Individualized Education Program). A written plan developed for a student with a disability that outlines the services and accommodations the student needs to receive a free, appropriate public education.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). An educational setting that allows students with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
Accommodations. Changes or modifications to the learning environment that help students with disabilities access and participate in educational activities in the same way as their peers without disabilities.
Inclusion. An educational philosophy and practice that involves placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms and providing them with the same educational opportunities, services, and supports as their peers without disabilities.
Assistive Technology (AT). Any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). A process used to identify the purpose of a student's challenging behavior and to develop an intervention plan tailored to meet the student's individual needs.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). A data-driven approach for establishing the social culture and behavioral supports needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.
Transition Plan. A document that outlines a student's goals for after high school and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, and post-secondary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Education Resource Teacher?

A Special Education Resource Teacher is a certified educator who provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in order to help them achieve success in their educational pursuits.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Special Education Resource Teacher?

To become a Special Education Resource Teacher, individuals must possess a degree in special education or a related field and meet the required state requirements for teaching certification. They must also have a valid teaching license and complete continuing education courses.

What type of support does a Special Education Resource Teacher provide?

Special Education Resource Teachers provide individualized instruction and support for students with disabilities. This support may include developing individualized education plans, providing instruction in specific academic areas, helping to modify the curriculum, and providing guidance and support for students as they transition from one grade level to the next.

What is the role of the Special Education Resource Teacher in the IEP process?

The role of the Special Education Resource Teacher in the IEP process is to assist in developing and monitoring the student's individualized education plan. The Special Education Resource Teacher will work with the student, parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure that the student's goals are being met.

What skills are necessary for a successful Special Education Resource Teacher?

A successful Special Education Resource Teacher must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, an understanding of educational laws and regulations, effective teaching strategies, and the ability to assess individual student needs. Additionally, an understanding of evidence-based interventions and practices is important for providing effective instruction and support.