SPD 521
Clinical Field Experience C: Roles and Responsibilities of the Special Educator

As a special educator, you will fulfill many roles and responsibilities for your students, families, other staff members and for your administration. It is important to know these roles and responsibilities so that you maintain professional, ethical, and legal dispositions at all times.

Allocate 2 hours in the field to support this field experience.

As a special educator, you will have many roles and responsibilities. Collaborate with your mentor teacher to reflect on the following professional roles and responsibilities of a special education teacher:

· Case managing and managing others, i.e., paraeducators, aides

· Differentiating lesson plans with general education teachers

· Legal and confidentiality concerns when working with students and families/caregivers

· Conflict resolution among students and staff

· Being involved beyond the classroom

· Advocacy and mentoring students, families, and other colleagues

· Lifelong learning and staying current on educational trends and legislation for special education

· Any additional roles and responsibilities your mentor describes

Use any remaining field experience hours to assist the mentor teacher in providing instruction and support to the class.

After the discussion with your mentor, complete a 500-750 word reflection based on your findings. Discuss any new insights, areas of concerns, and what you feel you need to know more about as you complete your studies.

Please make each of the bulleted sections a new headings (centered and bolded). Clear, academic writing is expected; if references are used, they need to be in APA format.

You MUST finish the paper by reflecting on how you will use the information you gathered in your future professional practice.

In addition, discuss what steps you will take to keep yourself informed on special education and how you plan to be a lifelong learner after you enter the classroom.

Reflect upon how you will use this information in your future professional practice.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Course Materials if you need assistance.

Document the locations and hours you spend in the field on your Clinical Field Experience Verification Form.