Special Children Need Special Teachers

The time when you could “become” a special educator (term used for educators who are trained to teach children with disability) just by spending some time with children with special needs is long gone. Special Education is being looked at with respect and at times with awe. If one desires to become a special educator, one has to get some professional training, be it a certificate course, a diploma or a degree course. The choice of the course depends upon the objective of the person in question – is the objective to gain knowledge, to work with children in an “informal” setting, to work in a “structured” environment like a school or a clinic or higher education? Whatever the objective, the bottom line is professional training. You have to make sure that you have enough knowledge, both theoretical and practical before you set on the course of making a difference in the lives of many affected. And mind you, learning is an ongoing process which continues all your life. Therefore, make sure that you regularly upgrade your skills as an instructor and learn new strategies, methodologies, techniques and varied points of view.

Some of you may be thinking that here I am giving “gyan” about professional training but where to get this training from. True, where from? There are hardly any institutes which offer courses in special education. Some which do, have such antiquated curriculum that you feel like a dinosaur doing it. However, there are a few institutes which might give you your money’s worth. Check the following if interested – SNDT University Mumbai, AADI in Delhi (previously known as SSNI), Orkids Institute of Higher Learning, RCI (a few courses), Action for Autism…This is in no way an exhaustive list. I am sure I have missed out some and would request you to add to the list.

Another bit of food for thought – To specialize in a “specific” disability. That is to make a conscious decision NOT to be a “jack of all” but a “master of one”. Choose a specific disability – Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Visual Impairment and so on – and get trained in it. The kind of in depth detailing one goes through is totally worth the effort.

Remember the child and the parents are investing a lot in us…most importantly hope and faith. So make sure you are equipped to handle any challenge.