Teacher Of The Deaf In A Public School
Career review from a person working in the job
How I Got The Job
My Education: BA, Elementary Education, The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) MS, Special Ed/Deaf Ed, Hunter College, City University of New York certificate, Auditory Learning, University of North Carolina(
My Prior Experience: I have been a teacher of the deaf for the past seventeen years.
My Job Profile
My Company: Teacher of the deaf for a large public school district.
Job/Career Overview: As a teacher of the deaf, i am responsible for providing support to those students who are either deaf or hearing impaired. I work with them in small groups or individually to develop language and academic skills.
Some students rely on their hearing and use spoken English to communicate. They're considered "oral." Other students rely on sign language to communicate. The majority of the students I work with have multiple challenges and disabilities, in addition to hearing loss, most often autism or developmental delays, etc.
Special education teachers are not only responsible for teaching but also keeping records and writing reports evaluating and planning every student's goals for the year. As a teacher of the deaf, I am also responsible for overseeing teacher assistants and interpreters. Troubleshooting and maintaining equipment are vital parts of my daily routine.
Finally, one of my greatest responsibilities involves working with the parents of these students on all aspects of their children's academic and personal lives. Teachers are required to attended continuous education classes/workshops and conferences. Obtaining a teacher license is just the beginning of continuing one's education.
More Insights: Many people see teachers as babysitters! Be ready to be underpaid and often overworked!
I cannot see myself in any other profession.
Love It? Hate It?
I rate this career 10 out of 10.
What I Love or Hate
The best parts of my job include seeing success in my students. Success isn't measured by grades alone; it's also achieving their goals. Many students are graded with letters or numbers, but for students with special needs learning to be independent is better than an "A" or a 4.0 I also enjoy the constant learning that is involved. In this field we are expected to keep up with changing technology and teaching methods.
The worst part of Special Education is the constant and changing paperwork!
My Career Tips
All aspiring teachers should gain certification in Special Education. Teaching requires a passion for learning!
Teaching is more than summers off; its using personal time and money to develop a classroom for all students to succeed.
In the beginning of teaching know that veteran teachers are great resources. Just because you've finished college doesn't mean you know everything!
