At the beginning of a new school year, educators are often asked for a list of materials and

supplies that are needed or could be helpful for an exceptional educational environment. Often
times, a long list of such materials and supplies are provided. Although Strawbridge Elementary
School and Ms. Ackley’s fourth graders are well provided for, in regards to materialistic items,
my one wish as a future educator is for a well supported special education staff.

In order for the educational system to be successful, all levels of leadership need support. This
includes the superintendent, the downtown executives, the principals, the teachers, and the
students. Through my internship experience, one area that I have noticed that lacks adequate
support from the school system as a whole is the special education department.

As a future educator, my wish list to address the concern mentioned above regarding the
special education department would include the following:
- More hired staff that is qualified for the profession
- Hired employees who have been carefully selected and placed with special education students
- Ongoing training of the professionals for continued growth
- More funding
- More specialized programs to meet specific disabilities
- Additional locations that house the programs throughout the city
- Provided with enough technology and equipment to meet the students’ needs

I have developed this wish list of mine out of my concern of the students who are serviced by
the special education staff. Due to the lack of support provided to this department alone, I have
observed several occasions where these students are not being provided with the proper
services and attention. In the grand scheme of things, it is the students who are being punished
for the inadequate support of the special education department.