How to Be Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Being a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher can have a profound impact on students and the community. As a teacher, one must have a deep understanding of the various disabilities, special education resources and laws, and use this knowledge to create a positive learning environment. This allows students with disabilities to become empowered, gain confidence, and develop the necessary skills to be successful in life.

parents and other stakeholders in the community will be able to see the positive effects of the teacher's work on their children, as well as the overall improvement of the educational system. As a result, the teacher is able to build relationships with other teachers, administrators, and members of the community, creating a strong support system for their students and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a special education teacher, you must first earn a bachelor's degree. Many schools offer a degree in special education or a related field. During your studies, you will gain knowledge of the principles and theories of special education and develop the skills to work with children with disabilities.
2. Earn Teacher Certification. After obtaining your bachelor's degree, you must complete a teacher certification program. This program will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a special education teacher. You may be required to take additional courses related to special education.
3. Complete a Special Education Endorsement. Once you have obtained your teacher certification, you may need to take additional courses to receive a special education endorsement. Depending on the state in which you live, the requirements for obtaining a special education endorsement may vary.
4. Gain Experience. After completing your special education endorsement, you should gain experience teaching in a special education classroom. This experience can be either paid or volunteer work. This will help you develop your skills as a special education teacher and make you more attractive to potential employers.
5. Obtain a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teaching License. Once you have gained sufficient experience teaching in a special education classroom, you can apply for a special education self-contained classroom teaching license. This license will enable you to teach in a special education self-contained classroom.

Special education self-contained classroom teachers are responsible for providing a specialized educational environment to students who need more individualized attention. To be an ideal and qualified teacher, certain qualities are necessary, such as the ability to develop positive relationships with students and families, strong communication skills, and the knowledge of best practices for teaching the subject matter. Additionally, having a deep understanding of special education laws and regulations, as well as a commitment to continuing education, is essential for staying current on new developments in the field. With these qualities in place, special education self-contained classroom teachers can create a nurturing environment that meets the needs of their students and enables them to thrive.

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Job Description

1. Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students
2. Create and implement lesson plans, activities, and assessments that meet individual student needs
3. Monitor and modify student behavior to ensure a safe and productive learning environment
4. Collaborate with other professionals, such as school psychologists and speech-language pathologists, to develop strategies to support students
5. Coordinate meetings with parents, teachers, and specialists to discuss student progress
6. Attend professional development workshops to stay current on best practices
7. Participate in IEP meetings and provide input on accommodations
8. Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress
9. Facilitate social and emotional activities to help students develop self-control and positive interactions with peers
10. Document student progress and outcomes

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of regulations and laws pertaining to special education
2. Understanding of individualized education plans (IEPs)
3. Ability to develop and implement lesson plans
4. Ability to assess and differentiate instruction for student learning needs
5. Understanding of behavior management strategies
6. Knowledge of methods to motivate students
7. Ability to provide a nurturing classroom environment
8. Knowledge of assistive technology
9. Ability to collaborate with administrators, parents, and other teachers
10. Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices
11. Knowledge of curriculum design and development
12. Understanding of assessment and evaluation techniques
13. Ability to create a positive learning environment
14. Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, and staff
15. Understanding of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)

Special education self-contained classroom teachers must possess a wide range of skills to be successful in their roles. The ability to create and maintain a positive learning environment is the most important skill for them to have. A positive learning environment must be created in order to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and engaged.

To do this, teachers need to be able to establish clear expectations, build relationships with students, and use positive reinforcement. teachers must have strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate with parents, administrators, and other educators. Furthermore, teachers must have the ability to differentiate instruction and create individualized learning plans for their students.

Finally, self-contained classroom teachers must be able to identify, understand, and address the unique needs of their students, including those with disabilities or special needs. All of these skills are essential for special education self-contained classroom teachers to be successful in their roles.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching special education?
• How have you helped foster an inclusive classroom environment?
• What methods do you use to assess and monitor student progress?
• Describe a challenging situation you faced as a special education teacher and how you overcame it.
• What strategies do you use to engage students in the learning process?
• How do you ensure that all students’ needs are met within your classroom?
• What experience do you have working with students with special needs?
• What skills do you possess that make you an effective special education teacher?
• How do you collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and parents?
• How do you stay current with new trends and best practices in special education?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL). An educational framework that seeks to create learning environments that are accessible to all students, regardless of ability. (Eg: Using visuals and audio to supplement a lesson plan)
2. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). A proactive approach to addressing problem behaviors in the classroom. (Eg: Establishing clear expectations and rewarding positive behaviors)
3. Adaptive Technology. Technology that assists students with disabilities in completing tasks (Eg: Voice-to-text software for students who have difficulty writing).
4. Formative Assessment. A process of assessing student’s understanding of course materials throughout the learning process. (Eg: Exit tickets and quizzes).
5. Inclusive Education Strategies. Strategies designed to ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have access to the same educational opportunities. (Eg: Flexible seating, differentiated instruction, and team teaching).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
2. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
3. Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
4. Special Education Leadership Alliance (SELA)
5. National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
6. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
7. International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
8. National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
9. National Autism Association (NAA)
10. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

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Common Important Terms

1. Individualized Education Program (IEP). A personalized educational plan that outlines the specific goals, objectives, services, and accommodations for a student with special needs.
2. Accommodations. Modifications or adaptations made to the curriculum or instructional methods to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability.
3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The educational setting in which a student with special needs is able to receive appropriate instruction while maximizing integration with peers without disabilities.
4. Inclusion. A practice of incorporating students with special needs into mainstream classrooms and activities.
5. Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). A plan that outlines strategies to manage and improve a student’s behavior in a school setting.
6. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). A proactive approach to teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior in a school setting.
7. Response to Intervention (RTI). An academic intervention model that uses multiple tiers of increasingly intensive instruction and intervention for students who are struggling academically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher?

A Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher is an educator who works with students who require more intensive, specialized instruction due to having a disability or special needs.

What qualifications do I need to become a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher?

Generally, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in special education, a teaching license and experience working with students with disabilities. Additional qualifications may vary by state.

What type of tasks do Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teachers perform?

Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teachers are responsible for developing individualized instruction plans, providing direct instruction, assessing student progress, collaborating with other professionals, and advocating for the student's needs.

What is the average salary for a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher?

The average salary for a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher can vary depending on location and years of experience, but according to PayScale the median salary is around $50,741 per year.

What are the benefits of being a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher?

Being a Special Education Self-Contained Classroom Teacher can be incredibly rewarding as it provides the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students with special needs. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.

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Web Resources

• 2022-23 Special Education Teacher Self Contained career.arizona.edu
• Self Contained Special Education Teacher – Greene Center careereducation.rochester.edu
• Demand for Special Education Teachers - Blog | USC Rossier rossieronline.usc.edu