Effective educators are well-informed about all types of disability, whether physical or mental. To serve students with learning disabilities, a teacher must first be capable of recognizing a deficit and correctly identifying the cause. Instead of mislabeling a student's true disability as defiance or laziness, a teacher who has been educated on disability will pursue appropriate testing and resources for the child.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, more than half of students with learning disabilities spend 80 percent of the school day in a general education classroom with other students. Thus, while special education instructors are a valuable and necessary resource, regular classroom teachers must still be prepared to handle diverse learners in a standard classroom environment. An effective instructor must be prepared to integrate different learning styles and speeds when teaching a general curriculum. By presenting material using several different methods, including hands-on lessons, teachers can reach the largest number of students.
Although children with disabilities benefit from appropriate integration into whole-class lessons, they also require individual attention. A teacher may need to break the class into small groups or meet with a child one-on-one to explain concepts and gauge progress. An effective educator will recognize when a student with disabilities is struggling and move in to help. He may prepare special homework or adjust assignments to meet a child's needs.
Ultimately, a child with disabilities needs a well-informed and compassionate advocate for his education. Good teachers stay abreast of all the resources available for their students, and pursue those opportunities when they feel it's appropriate. An educator may communicate with parents, administrators and teachers about educational strategies for a particular child. In some situations, a teacher may advocate testing, adjusted curriculum, behavior management strategies or even alternative placement. A devoted and caring special education professional will always prioritize the education and well-being of the child.