Title: Role of Special Education Teachers in an Inclusive Classroom | American University
Headings: The Role of Special Education Teachers in Promoting an Inclusive Classroom
The Role of Special Education Teachers in Promoting an Inclusive Classroom
Why Adopt Inclusive Learning?
Role of Special Education Teachers in Inclusive Classrooms
Curriculum Design
Classroom Instruction
Learning Assessments
Advocating for Students
Learn More About Inclusive Education
Recommended Readings

Content: In addition to promoting academic success for students with disabilities, inclusive learning can help improve social cognition in typically developing students. Role of Special Education Teachers in Inclusive Classrooms
For inclusion to show positive benefits, the learning environment and instructional models must be carefully established to provide strong learning opportunities for all students. Special education and general education teachers must have mutual respect and open minds toward the philosophy of inclusion, as well as strong administrative support and knowledge of how to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The involvement of a special education teacher is crucial to the success of a combined learning environment in a number of areas: Curriculum Design
Special education teachers help craft the lessons for inclusive classrooms to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are considered. Teachers may work together to develop a curriculum that is accessible to all students, or the special education teacher might make modifications to the general education teacher’s lesson plans. A special education teacher will also create supplemental learning materials for specific students, including visual, manipulative, text, and technology resources, and determine when one-on-one lessons might be needed. Teachers must examine students’ strengths, weaknesses, interests, and communication methods when crafting lessons. The students’ IEPs must be carefully followed to meet achievement goals. As many general education teachers have limited training in inclusive learning, it is important for the special education teacher to help the instructor understand why certain accommodations are needed and how to incorporate them.