With the goal of becoming obsolete

 My goal as a special education teacher is to become obsolete. 

That probably sounds strange to most people; why would I want to be out of a job?  

I want an educational system that serves all students in general education with differentiation for ALL students, not "just" those for whom it's required by law.  

My goal is to create, engage and develop students with self-awareness and strong self-advocacy.  Students who are aware of their disability and the impact it has on their education. Students who are able to advocate for themselves and their needs to their peers, their teachers and their community. 

My goal is to teach the people I work with that what they consider a "bad behavior" is an action in response to a situation.  All behavior is communication, and if you learn what is being communicated you can find a more common ground.  Let me be clear here, fidgeting, stimming, pacing, verbal and physical ticks are NOT negative behaviors unless a student is causing harm to themselves or another. To limit stimming behaviors in autistic students and students with ADD/HD can do more harm than good.  Students asking for a break is a behavior we should be encouraging not limiting.  Having students who know when they are overwhelmed, overloaded or over stimulated is a GOOD coping skill and should be praised. 

My goal is to maximize inclusion.  My goal every year is to re-evaluate if the student could be successful in the general education or co-taught setting BEFORE assuming they will continue in special education classes. My goal is to increase the number of co-taught classes we offer.  My goal is to help students develop skills so that they don't need as much adult support in the classroom.  Adult support that for nearly every student I work with will disappear as soon as they graduate, so we need to start to fade it now.

My goal is to educate families on the difference between an IEP and 504 Plan If I've done my job well and the student is no longer in special education classes and is advocating for themselves and their needs, we need to have an honest discussion on if an IEP is still needed or if the child could get their educational needs met through a 504 plan. [Click the link to learn the difference for yourself]. 

My goal is to put myself out of a job; or at least out of my job the way it looks now.  

Well it's late and I teach in a few hours so good night

-C