Philosophy of Education

Educating exceptional students is multifaceted. There are so many different aspects in teaching exceptional students; it is hard to find the most important. In my opinion, the most important is determination. Both the teacher and the students need to be determined. It is the job of the teacher to provide that determination, because if the teacher doesn’t show it, neither will the student. I believe that teaching exceptional students is no harder or easier than teaching in a regular classroom; it just takes determination to find alternative methods to teaching.
The second most important aspect is collaboration. This can be between the special education teacher, regular classroom teacher, faculty, superintendents, parents, peers, ect. Everyone must be open and communicate effectively in order to provide the best possible learning environment. For example, if a student needs an IEP, everyone working with the students needs to have input. The parents will know different things than the teachers and vice versa. After the IEP is created, effective communication must be maintained in order to keep the student progressing.
I also feel that respect and acceptance are imperative in educating exceptional students. I completely agree with inclusion, as long as it does not hinder the students education. In order to include exceptional students into a regular classroom, the teachers and students must respect and accept them. To accept and respect the exceptional student, the regular classroom needs to understand and be knowledgeable about their qualities that make them unique.