Suzanne Frost

Patrick A. Leytham
EDU 203
February 7, 2014
Philosophy of Special Education

Introduction
State the purpose of this paper. Add any additional material.
The purpose of this paper is to help us determine our beliefs and philosophies as perspective
teachers. The beliefs we have will be an essential component of how we teach. It is important
that we can articulate our philosophies in order to be effective teachers.
The Profession
Why are you choosing this profession? Who or what experience has inspired you? What is your
personal knowledge or skill set that will serve you? What is your current understanding of the
local school districts?
I am interested in becoming a special education teacher because I have a daughter with special
needs. For nine years (at time of writing) I have been closely involved in every aspect of her

education. I have worked with many therapist and teachers who have been an inspiration. I see
how hard they work, their dedication, and even their struggles. I have shared in their pride as we
have worked with my daughter toward her goals, and I have shared their frustration when there
were setbacks. I am truly thankful to have had these wonderful professionals to guide us through
the process. I hope someday to be in their place, working with students, and their families, to
reach each individuals goals. I have participated in many IFSP, and IEP meetings, and I have
worked with other parents to assist them through the process. I am also familiar with the many
assessments each child will undergo. I continue to network with former therapists, service
coordinators, and teachers to stay up to date on the new methods of teaching or therapies. I have
assisted in the classroom on many occasions, and enjoyed my time spent there. I am new to
Clark County and can honestly say I do not know much about this district except for what I have
heard on the news. I understand that there is a strong need for highly qualified teachers in the
area. With much hard work and dedication I think I could be one of those people in a few years.

Teaching Philosophy
What educational philosophy dictates your current beliefs about special education? Why do you
subscribe to that educational philosophy? How does your knowledge of historical events set the
stage for how you will think about children and schools?
The philosophies that dictate my current beliefs would be Progressivism and Existentialism. The
reason is believe in progressivisms is because I think the student should be the center of the
educational plan. I think it is important to tailor the mode of delivery to each child. What works

for one student may not work for another. I believe every student is capable of learning and that
thru trial and error a specific work plan can be established for the best interest of the student. I
also believe in existentialism because I think there will be students that would benefit from
focusing more on goals that will bring them quality of life versus placing an emphasis on solely
learning to read, write, and do math.
My knowledge of historical events brings gives me an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the
education afforded the children today. I realize there are still many problems in the system but
we have certainly come a very long way in the last 60 years! I am thrilled every day that my
daughter has the opportunity to receive free services through the public school system. We have
been fortunate enough to have had teachers who really care, teachers who are striving to make
special education the best it can be today, I want to be one of them.

Instructional Techniques
What strategies will you implement? What will be your approaches to learning, student diversity,
student variability, and assessment?
This is tough question for me to answer since I have just started my journey toward becoming a
teacher and I simply lack the knowledge of different strategies. However, that said, speaking
from the experience I do have, I am a big fan of using positive reinforcement in learning: sticker
boards, prizes earned, or even down time as a reward upon completion of work. I love visual
aids, charts, calendars, etc. I am a hands on learner, so I also love using physical aids to help
when teaching.

My approach toward learning, student diversity, student variability and assessment is to keep in
mind that every child is unique. I think it will be very important to take the time to do the proper
assessments, get to know each child individually, and determine what will work for that child. I
have always been one to celebrate diversity, and I am able to find the good in any seemingly
difficult situation.

Future
What qualities do you need to possess to move forward in this career? What specific steps
(education, employment, volunteer experiences) do you plan to undertake in order to achieve
your goals?
As I mentioned before, I have just begun my journey toward becoming a teacher. First, I am
concentrating on finishing my AA and plan to pursue my Bachelors. I am currently not
employed and do not plan to return to work for at least a couple of years. I have 3 children aged
2, 6 and 9. I have strategically planned my own education around them. I know this will take a
lot of hard work and dedication. It has taken a lot of good time management skills and
organization. Both qualities in which I am proud to possess. I am not currently volunteering
but am participating with my children in programs at Opportunity Village and The Down
Syndrome Society of Southern Nevada. I will be fundraising for DSSSNV this spring and I will
definitely be volunteering for them and The Special Olympics in the future.