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 concern, and what you feel you need to know more about as you complete your studies.

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.