At Freedom High School, the special education program is known for its dedication to personalized student support. Special education teachers face unique challenges and rewards.
“Being a special education teacher is fundamentally different from teaching core classes,” said Dilraj Singh, Freedom High School special education teacher. “Our primary responsibility is to provide specialized instruction based on the student’s needs as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This involves creating the IEP, collecting data and constantly tailoring our teaching methods to each student’s specific requirements.”
One major aspect of special education is the close attention paid to students’ overall well-being.
“We look at our students much more carefully,” said Priti Rao, FHS special education teacher. “It’s not just about academics. We build relationships that help us support their emotional and social needs as well.”
Building these relationships can be challenging but rewarding.
“I had a student who was very resistant at first,” Singh said “He didn’t want to engage with me or the material. But by connecting with him through his interests, like football, he eventually became more open and started to thrive in my class.”
Special education teachers at FHS face a stressful workload. They manage not only the educational needs of their students but also significant amounts of paperwork and data collection.
“There’s a lot more behind the scenes,” Rao said. “We must ensure that we are meeting every student’s accommodations as listed in their IEP. This includes things like extended test times and providing materials in accessible formats.”
Despite the challenges, the teachers find the work deeply fulfilling.
“Special education is incredibly rewarding,” Rao said. “Seeing a student make progress, even if it’s just a small step, feels like a huge victory. It’s gratifying to know that we’re making a real difference in their lives.”
Teachers also noted that the field tends to be underfunded and understaffed, though there have been improvements made in the past years.
“We need better salaries to attract and retain quality special education teachers. The workload is immense, and without adequate compensation, it’s hard to keep up with the demands,” Singh said.
The teachers emphasized the importance of staying updated with new practices that are being used in special education.
“We attend monthly meetings, receive newsletters, and participate in regular training sessions to stay updated with the latest practices and regulations,” Singh said. “The landscape of special education is constantly changing, and we have to adapt quickly.”
Freedom High School’s special education teachers continue to provide essential support to their students, helping them achieve their fullest potential both academically and personally.
