What's Your Special Ed. Super Power 💥?

As a special educator, you've likely wondered which disability or category of disability to focus on. 

Research suggests that special educators who identify their strengths and interests experience increased job satisfaction and effectiveness (Hemphill & Kulkami, 2016). Let's break it down and find your path.


The Difference Between Special Educators and Therapists

Special educators are all-rounders, supporting students with unique needs in various areas, such as self-care, organization, and academics. 

Therapists, however, specialize in specific areas after undergoing specialized training. For example, Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on helping students develop fine motor skills, sensory integration, and daily living activities (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020).


Discover Your Strengths and Interests

Before claiming a specialized title, consider what you enjoy doing most. 


Ask yourself:


- Do you excel at helping students with handwriting or fine motor skills?

- Have a knack for boosting reading skills or math abilities?

- Find yourself fascinated by understanding and addressing behavioral challenges?


Research supports the importance of self-reflection in identifying teacher strengths and interests (Katz & Porath, 2011). 

You can tailor your practice to meet the unique needs of your students, when you recognise your niche.


☘️


While individual strengths and interests are crucial, it's essential to acknowledge the broader systemic factors that impact special education. These include:


- Access to resources and support staff

- School culture and administrative support

- Collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams


Identifying Your Niche

Don't chase high demand; focus on what you're passionate about. 


And even if you want to chase high demand, get the proper training!


If speech therapy isn't your forte, don't force it. Instead, niche down within special education based on your strengths. 


Consider:


- Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in social skills development

- Developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse needs

- Creating adaptive materials for students with physical disabilities



References:

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.).

Hemphill, S. A., & Kulkami, S. (2016). Teacher job satisfaction and teacher retention: A review of the literature. Journal of Educational Research, 109(4), 434-445.

Katz, J., & Porath, M. (2011). The impact of teacher self-efficacy on student achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 103(2), 342-353.


Dear Special Education Teacher, in which area/s do you find yourself supporting children with special needs the most?


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