Professional Documents
Culture Documents
overworked and underpaid. Each day the classroom will present new challenges and situations. It is
important to know, as a teacher, what the most important values are and how you want your classroom
to function. By thinking ahead and having a well-defined philosophy, you will have a better foundation
for how to deal with situations in the classroom, good and bad. Luckily, we have many historical
events and examples to learn from and use as we build individual philosophies of teaching. It is my
philosophy that each student no matter what age, race, or social status deserves a fair education. I
believe that subject matter should be portrayed in many different forms so that students will be
motivated to learn in whatever way is best for them. I think that parents and community are an
important part in a students education and they should be kept up to date on their students progress
Collaboration skills for school professionals, (2014), defined collaboration as, interpersonal
collaboration is a style for direct interaction between at least two coequal parties voluntarily
engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a common goal. It essential for general
education and special education teachers to work toward the common goal of meeting the
students goals and enhancing their learning across settings. In order to do this both teachers
must share in the decision making, and the ownership of the students education. Collaboration
is essential for student growth not only in the area of academics, but also behavior and social
skills. While the special education and general education teachers are key to collaboration,
time must be given to teachers to engage in said shared decision making. Second, a knowledge
of the students present levels of performance, learning styles, and a repertoire of research-based
practices must be present from all players. In order for collaboration to be successful all players
must be on the same playing field, with the same knowledge and goals in mind. Thirdly, for
collaboration to be successful, the goal of the collaboration must be explicitly stated. If the
student is having difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonics, talking out, social skills, etc., that
issue must be specifically stated and a realistic goal set prior to the discussion.
It is my belief that every person, child or adult, has the ability to learn. In my years of teaching
I have found that every person can grow and succeed if given the support they deserve. I am reminded
of the Albert Einstein quote: "Everybody is a genus, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree,
it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." As a special educator, my job is to provide my
students with skills they need to be successful, with the atmosphere they need to be successful, and to
be the advocate they need to be successful. I have high expectations for every student who walks
through my door. I use research-based practices, combined with technology and understanding, to
ensure each of my students meets their personal and academic goals. In my room, I teach more than
academics, as I believe a teacher should. My students are taught respect, organization, social skills, and
problem solving strategies. I believe we must help our students to be well-rounded individuals in order
to be successful members of the community. However, my strong beliefs and unique perspective can
become a barrier to successful collaboration. I do my best to not push my beliefs on others or change
their style of teaching, but instead advocate for my students and their needs in ways that mesh with
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
their style of teaching. This past year I have had a student with several behaviors that has been quite a
challenge.
Time, shared expectations, and setting differences were barriers we ran into while
collaborating. Often, our conversations were rushed because we did not have enough time to
effectively communicate. Our goals were also different. We had to find a balance between having
high expectations, but realistic expectations across settings. In the end, we overcame these barriers
with open communication, scheduled weekly meetings, and honesty regarding what we saw as being
Culture and power can also be a barrier to successful collaboration. Culturally, it is each
teachers individual responsibility to remove discrimination from the classroom. It is a teachers job to
leave in biases, no matter what they are, at the door. As a teacher, it is our job to see potential in every
student and do our best to bring that potential to light. In order to bring the best out in every student,
we must step outside our comfort zone and teach material in different ways, giving each student a
chance to learn. This, however, can be easier for some teachers than others. Some teachers are more
knowledgeable regarding cultural differences and differentiation for cultures. In order for collaboration
to be successful regarding culture all teachers must be honest regarding their experience and current
practices. This is where power comes into play. If one teacher feels they have more power or are more
knowledgeable than another this can completely destroy the collaboration efforts. Teachers must come
into collaboration discussions knowing that they each bring something unique to the table and that they
are equals, not that one knows more or has more power than the other.
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
It is essential that collaboration happen as soon as students become members of the school
(Kindergarten, Pre-K), whether or not they have been identified for special education services. While
not all disabilities are identifiable at such an early age, if a teacher feels comfortable collaborating
regrading a students deficits, those deficits can be targeted and the teacher can help meet the needs of
the student early on, teaching strategies to help them be successful. People learn in all different
ways. Some are visual learners and need to see example problems worked out in front of them. Others
need to hear a lecture and instruction in order to learn it. Some students must figure out problems with
the hands on approach, learning by doing. I am personally a mix between a visual and hands on
learner. Therefore, it is easiest for me to teach by example, but it is my job as a teacher to incorporate
all learning styles so I can reach the students who learn differently. This is one way that teachers can
collaborate. Collaboration can include sharing teaching styles and methods, lessons, behavioral
strategies, and time. Together, teachers can decide the best instructional method to help their students,
as well as share the ways the students learn best in order to help them be successful. It is my belief that,
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback
SPED 854 Julia Kaufman
Original Assignment and Feedback