SPED

854 Julia Kaufman

Original Assignment and Feedback

Being a teacher has never been, and will never be, an easy occupation. Teachers are often

overworked and underpaid. Each day the classroom will present new challenges and situations. It is

important to know, as a teacher, what the most important values are and how you want your classroom

to function. By thinking ahead and having a well-defined philosophy, you will have a better foundation

for how to deal with situations in the classroom, good and bad. Luckily, we have many historical

events and examples to learn from and use as we build individual philosophies of teaching. It is my

philosophy that each student no matter what age, race, or social status deserves a fair education. I

believe that subject matter should be portrayed in many different forms so that students will be

motivated to learn in whatever way is best for them. I think that parents and community are an

important part in a students education and they should be kept up to date on their students progress

and activities. Additionally, collaboration is essential to education, especially special education.

Collaboration is defined many different ways, for a variety of settings. Interactions:

Collaboration skills for school professionals, (2014), defined collaboration as, interpersonal

collaboration is a style for direct interaction between at least two coequal parties voluntarily

engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a common goal. It essential for general

education and special education teachers to work toward the common goal of meeting the

students goals and enhancing their learning across settings. In order to do this both teachers

must share in the decision making, and the ownership of the students education. Collaboration

is essential for student growth not only in the area of academics, but also behavior and social

skills. While the special education and general education teachers are key to collaboration,

administration and families also play a key role.

SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
Several factors play a role in order to ensure successful collaboration. First, adequate

time must be given to teachers to engage in said shared decision making. Second, a knowledge

of the students present levels of performance, learning styles, and a repertoire of research-based

practices must be present from all players. In order for collaboration to be successful all players

must be on the same playing field, with the same knowledge and goals in mind. Thirdly, for

collaboration to be successful, the goal of the collaboration must be explicitly stated. If the

student is having difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonics, talking out, social skills, etc., that

issue must be specifically stated and a realistic goal set prior to the discussion.

It is my belief that every person, child or adult, has the ability to learn. In my years of teaching

I have found that every person can grow and succeed if given the support they deserve. I am reminded

of the Albert Einstein quote: "Everybody is a genus, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree,

it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." As a special educator, my job is to provide my

students with skills they need to be successful, with the atmosphere they need to be successful, and to

be the advocate they need to be successful. I have high expectations for every student who walks

through my door. I use research-based practices, combined with technology and understanding, to

ensure each of my students meets their personal and academic goals. In my room, I teach more than

academics, as I believe a teacher should. My students are taught respect, organization, social skills, and

problem solving strategies. I believe we must help our students to be well-rounded individuals in order

to be successful members of the community. However, my strong beliefs and unique perspective can

become a barrier to successful collaboration. I do my best to not push my beliefs on others or change

their style of teaching, but instead advocate for my students and their needs in ways that mesh with
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
their style of teaching. This past year I have had a student with several behaviors that has been quite a

challenge.

Time, shared expectations, and setting differences were barriers we ran into while

collaborating. Often, our conversations were rushed because we did not have enough time to

effectively communicate. Our goals were also different. We had to find a balance between having

high expectations, but realistic expectations across settings. In the end, we overcame these barriers

with open communication, scheduled weekly meetings, and honesty regarding what we saw as being

the most important behaviors to target.

Culture and power can also be a barrier to successful collaboration. Culturally, it is each

teachers individual responsibility to remove discrimination from the classroom. It is a teachers job to

leave in biases, no matter what they are, at the door. As a teacher, it is our job to see potential in every

student and do our best to bring that potential to light. In order to bring the best out in every student,

we must step outside our comfort zone and teach material in different ways, giving each student a

chance to learn. This, however, can be easier for some teachers than others. Some teachers are more

knowledgeable regarding cultural differences and differentiation for cultures. In order for collaboration

to be successful regarding culture all teachers must be honest regarding their experience and current

practices. This is where power comes into play. If one teacher feels they have more power or are more

knowledgeable than another this can completely destroy the collaboration efforts. Teachers must come

into collaboration discussions knowing that they each bring something unique to the table and that they

are equals, not that one knows more or has more power than the other.
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
It is essential that collaboration happen as soon as students become members of the school

(Kindergarten, Pre-K), whether or not they have been identified for special education services. While

not all disabilities are identifiable at such an early age, if a teacher feels comfortable collaborating

regrading a students deficits, those deficits can be targeted and the teacher can help meet the needs of

the student early on, teaching strategies to help them be successful. People learn in all different

ways. Some are visual learners and need to see example problems worked out in front of them. Others

need to hear a lecture and instruction in order to learn it. Some students must figure out problems with

the hands on approach, learning by doing. I am personally a mix between a visual and hands on

learner. Therefore, it is easiest for me to teach by example, but it is my job as a teacher to incorporate

all learning styles so I can reach the students who learn differently. This is one way that teachers can

collaborate. Collaboration can include sharing teaching styles and methods, lessons, behavioral

strategies, and time. Together, teachers can decide the best instructional method to help their students,

as well as share the ways the students learn best in order to help them be successful. It is my belief that,

in the end, the point of collaboration is student success.

SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback