Importance of Professional Development for Special Education Teachers
| 3 Min Read
Professional development is critical for many different occupations and the field of special education is no exception. Of all the possible professional routes for a teacher to take, this one is among the most heavily influenced by exposure to new research, technologies and instructional strategies. Anything that special education teachers can do to better meet the diverse, complex needs of their students will benefit not just their own careers, but the well-being and success of their classrooms and, by extension, their school as a whole.
The online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Special Education degree from Auburn University at Montgomery is an ideal way for dedicated professionals to invest in their own growth. This program is specifically focused on helping teachers further enhance their special education career journey by increasing their understanding of advanced principles. In this way, graduates will be well prepared to not only enhance their own effectiveness as teachers but also contribute to better outcomes for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
The Impact of Professional Learning on Special Education Professionals
Professional development, also known as professional learning, is essential for teachers of all kinds. For example, a RAND report that studied how teachers use their professional learning time and how they connect it to classroom time found that participants often engaged in collaborative learning and, additionally, found this method of professional development to be beneficial. “In our analyses, roughly three-quarters of teachers frequently participated (at least four times a year) in collaborative learning, and, among those participating, the vast majority felt that it improved their teaching or student learning to a moderate or large extent,” according to RAND.
For special education teachers in particular, professional development is designed to help them provide accommodation and modifications to their curricula to make it more accessible for students with disabilities. As simpleK12 points out: “These programs are designed to address the unique challenges of special education and provide strategies to help teachers grow in their roles.” This kind of professional support is precisely what Auburn University at Montgomery’s online Education Specialist in Special Education degree can provide.
The Best Practices For Special Education Professionals
While it is obviously important for special education teachers to know the basics of their field, what sets the best instructors apart is often their ability to stay abreast of current best practices, a task usually accomplished by further education and professional development. Ongoing training of this kind empowers educators to stay up to date with the ideal approaches in individualized education plans (IEPs), behavioral interventions and inclusive classroom techniques. It also fosters collaboration, resilience and innovation — key qualities for navigating the complexities of special education.
This matters because of a special education teacher’s complex role, which requires considerable collaboration across the board, as Edutopia states. “When students with and without disabilities have plenty of well-supported opportunities to spend time together within and beyond the classroom, many preconceived notions or misconceptions about people with disabilities can be turned around simply through the experience of sharing space. Sometimes, though, it may take a bit more planning and collaboration.”
Earning an Online Ed.S. in Special Education
For educators, the learning journey never ends. As Full SPED Ahead points out: “Just as we encourage our students to strive for growth and improvement, it’s equally important for us, as teachers, to continuously seek out professional development for special education teachers.”
One way to accomplish this is through an online program, like the Education Specialist in Special Education degree offered by Auburn University at Montgomery. It’s the perfect way to stay fresh on best practices and also stay focused on the goal of helping your students achieve their full potential.
Learn more about Auburn University at Montgomery’s online Education Specialist in Special Education degree.