RUNNING HEAD: Philosophy Statement 1

Post Philosophy Statement

Sabrina Acosta

College of Southern Nevada

Philosophy Statement 2

Throughout this course, my teaching philosophy has adapted. Before taking this course I

did not have a great understanding of the needs of students with disabilities. I understood that

students that have disabilities need different accommodations, but I did not understand how

complex the IEP process was and deciding where a student should be placed. I believed that

students should have the right accommodations and that full inclusion was usually best, however

I did not fully understand how different each situation is. Even though one student may be best

suited to be included in the general education classroom as much as possible, another student

might do best in a separate classroom. Even though I knew that technology could be beneficial in

the classroom and could be used to assist students with disabilities, I did not utilize assistive

technology in my previous philosophy statement. I now know that each student requires different

accommodations and adaptations. It is important to utilize any resources possible to better help

my students learn.

A special education teacher’s role in the classroom is to facilitate learning. Special

education teachers have to be able to provide the correct accommodations for each student and

also help the students to grow and learn. An effective special education teacher should be able to

think creatively to solve problems and have an understanding of different disorders a student

may have. It is important for a special education teacher to be qualified, knowledgeable, and

understanding.

I believe that each student is different and just because two students may have the same

disability it does not mean they need the same accommodations or learn the same way. Some

students may learn best using assistive technology and being in the general education classroom,

while another student may learn best from spending time in the resource room or being educated
Philosophy Statement 3

in the special education classroom. Students who have special education needs learn best from

being in the correct environment and having the correct accommodations or adaptations. In

general my goal for my students with special education needs is for them to be able to grow and

develop as individuals and transition into adult life. I would hope for them to gain the

educational skills, social skills, and everyday living skills needed.

I believe that all students can learn. Even if a student is in need of special education it

does not mean they are not capable of learning. A qualified and knowledgeable teacher and the

proper accommodations should help students to learn better. Students with special education

needs are owed the right to learn in the appropriate environment. Teachers owe their students to

be understanding and knowledgeable of the challenges they may face.