This course was VERY much out of my comfort zone. Being an ITEC major, I have to adapt to the INED program requirements. The tasks were extremely beneficial in making connections to my colleagues, parents and students. My greatest takeaway was the importance of collaboration at all levels. Effectively communicating with key stakeholders is critical for special education teachers.
Immersion is powerful. I had the opportunity to complete an abundance of assignments related to collaborative practices at my school. There were several that stood out to me.
Determining my own communication style was only the beginning. I learned that I need some growth in initiating conversation during collaborative planning and trusting my own professional expertise. During my co-planning times, I have been able to apply this new knowledge and be a valuable member of my team. Learning goals were also established for seeing my progression throughout the course. As I reflected on my interpersonal communication style, I realized that I am all action. I thrive by jumping right in and making a mess. It was powerful to explore my personal style. In order to be an effective collaborator, you must know your style.
We also completed a series of interviews. Two with colleagues and one with a parent of a student with a disability. Both interviews required a signed consent form and a reflection write up based on the findings and research from module readings. I enjoyed the interviews because it gave me more of perspective on the content we were learning in the course and then using the research to ensure immersion in the conversation with my peers. The parent interview was particularly powerful. Thinking from a parents perspective can be difficult, especially if you do not have a child of your own. I enjoyed gaining insight from a parent who truly embodies success. My connection with her was defined when I completed my interview with her.
I also completed a co-teaching lesson, which I do everyday but had the ability to truly reflect and make a plan with my teacher that was very effective. We team teach everyday during English Language Arts and this project made our connection much stronger and successful with our groups. Hentz and Jones (2011) state, “Co-teaching, through ongoing communication and a joint responsibility for a problem solving, can offer consistency in instructional delivery for all students based on shared expectations” (p. 76). The co-teaching project made our bond best for our teaching practices. We already worked well together, now it's even better. I plan to use this strategy with future collaborators. Another great takeaway was the family partnership approach with parents and secondary transition plans students. Teach elementary and this was helpful for me to see the progression as they leave my classroom and move on to middle and high school.
Overall, this course gave me great insight of another world; special education. I am so thankful I chose this as my elective. It have me new knowledge about students with disabilities, the importance of partnerships with colleagues and parents, how to team teach more effectively and most of all how to ensure successful transitions for students to their next goal in life. I plan to use these skills in my future encounters with teachers, parents and students.
References:
Hentz, S. M., & Jones, P. (2011). Collaborate smart: Practical strategies and tools for educators. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
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