Anna Walsworth

Professor George

EDU-434

11/18/19

Journal #12

If I was a mentor teacher who was speaking to someone who has just started out in the

special education field I would have a lot to say to them. The first thing I would want to discuss

with them is being proactive and getting as much experience as they can. It is important that

they get a wide variety of perspectives and involvement to see just how the special education

field works. There are so many different ways of being a special education teacher and leading

in this field. To be able to see multiple teaching styles and classrooms it will help the student

who is just starting to see what he/she likes.

Another thing I would say to this student is that building relationships with students is just

as important as teaching them. Students come from all different backgrounds and it is crucial

that as an educator we can provide them with a safe and welcoming environment. Every student

deserves consistency and someone who will encourage and support them. I think for me this is

something that comes up all the time within the school system and is so significant.

One last thing I would tell a student just starting out is to be flexible with the change of

everything. Special Education is a field that is ever-changing and unexpected things always

arise. A full school day usually comes with many surprises and plot twists. Therefore, expect to

never know what may be coming, but to be prepared for anything.