Special Education Teacher - Working conditions
Kaiako Mātauranga Whakahirahira
Working Conditions
Special education teachers usually work in early childhood education centres and in classrooms, offices and outside in school playgrounds. They may also be required to travel to visit students, health professionals and other agencies or may accompany students on field trips and community visits.
They are often on their feet, or may work with students on the floor or at tables. Their work may be challenging and stressful at times, depending on the students they work with.
"What gets to a lot of people working as an itinerant teacher is that you don't feel like you have a home anywhere, you're at a lot of different schools and it can be a bit of an isolated field. You have to be prepared to make yourself known to staff to feel part of the school."
Jan Miller - Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf
Equipment
Equipment special education teachers may use includes:
- teaching aids such as books, toys, word cards and games
- art materials such as paints, paper and glue
- computers, and adaptive technology so that students are able to use computers
- audio-visual equipment such as televisions, DVDs and stereos
- musical instruments
- sports equipment.
Hours
Special education teachers work with children from about 8.30am to 3.30pm. They may also work outside these hours to plan classes, prepare resources and reports or attend meetings. According to the 2006 Census, 43% of special education teachers work less than 30 hours a week.
Contact with people
Special education teachers and specialist resource teachers work as part of a team that may include:
- other teachers and teacher aides
- specialist advisory staff
- health professionals, such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists
- students' parents or caregivers and whānau
- community groups and agencies.
Special education teachers often travel to several schools in one day
Jan Miller discussing teaching methods with a colleague
Updated
September 2009
