Yesenia Guzman

Edu 203

Post Philosophy Statement

This course has taught me a lot about the importance of special education. I’ve always

been aware of special education, but didn’t know how important it was, and how much it takes

to teach children with special needs. I am glad that this course is a requirement for teachers

because I feel like it can be an eye opener to most future teachers.

I believe the purpose, or reason, that we have special education classes is so that each

and every student is able to receive the best education they deserve. There are children with

learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and behavioral problems that are out of the child’s

control, and should not be deprived of a worthy education because of it.

The special education teacher has a significant role in the classroom. The special

education teacher is supposed to adapt to the special needs of their students to educate and

support them. They should be aware of the development of the students and and evaluate them

routinely to see their improvement and make changes to the way they teach.

After observing a self-contained classroom, I believe that students with special needs

learn best when the teacher is understanding and adaptive of their needs. They will learn best

when the teacher group students of the same level together, as well as have students of a

higher level help them.

My goals for my students with special needs will be that they feel like they are receiving

equal education like every other student. I don’t want them to feel like their disability is in the

way of learning. 


The qualities an effective special education teacher should have are patience, empathy,

and organization. It is not easy to teach a classroom full of kids, and it can be even more difficult

to teach kids of special needs. The kids will not always be able to control their behavior, and be

fast with understanding the material, so special education teachers must have patience to be a
good teacher. Special education teachers must show empathy for their students, because they

are most likely having a more difficult time than you are. It can help a teacher be more close and

understanding with the student. Lastly, it is very important for a special education teacher to be

organized. They have to keep track of each of their student’s progress. They also can’t afford to

stay behind because the students need extra attention. 


I do believe that ALL students can learn. However, everyone learns in different ways. Not

everyone can learn the same. That is why it’s very important for a teacher to adapt to the way

each student learns, and the level of each student. 


Teachers owe students with special education needs the best effort to help them learn.


I feel like my philosophy statement has changed since the beginning of the semester

because of the field observation and what I have learned from the textbook. It made me more

understanding of students with special needs, and has opened my eyes to how difficult it can

truly be to teach a special education class.