How A Classroom Based Research Project Can Help One Become An Effective Teacher Leader

I have distinctly applied for Special Needs Education because special education has always been what’s near and dear to me in the field of education. Being a special education teacher would be an inevitably rewarding job, in which I get to watch my students grow, as I celebrate their small breakthroughs and victories with them. These small breakthroughs and victories will improve over time and turn into giant leaps, which will leave a lasting impact and ultimately change the child’s life. Beyond just educating children with special needs, I aspire to educate the public about children with special needs and special education. By doing so, I hope to remove any uncertainty and fear the public has on this group of children. Not only do I want to impart knowledge on these special children, I also want to advocate for them, which is something that goes

As the primary provider of these children and their families, I will collaborate with caregivers and parents to identify and design intervention strategies to enhance the child’s development. This is in accordance with the transdisciplinary model of intervention, in which the primary provider works directly with the family and the child; while other professionals support him/her by suggesting intervention strategies and sharing information for their field of expertise (Raver & Childress, 2015). This impacts greatly both the family, as they interact with fewer people, something that makes them feel less overwhelmed, and the primary provider as he/she feels competent to apply intervention strategies that have been taught from other professionals (King, Strachan, Tucker, Duwyn, Desserud, & Shillington, 2009).

I plan to use the input and assistance of my principal, administration, and other colleagues to assist me with necessary portions of my action research project. I will develop a written plan of action further in the project, monitor the project reflective, and prepare a research summary research report of the results of my action research project addressing the effectiveness of the implementation of the PBIS program at Otter Creek Middle School. My plans are for my research to be implemented further along with my principal internship after I have completed the course as well.

Parker, R. I., Vannest, K. J., & Brown, L. (2009). The improvement rate difference for single-case research. Exceptional Children, 75(2), 135-150.

In Admiraal et al. (2016)’s article, four teachers participated in the study and they reported that through conducting their research, they were able to take diverse perspectives on teaching, think of alternative solutions to address the issues, thoroughly reflect on their teaching and their colleagues’ teaching (Admiraal et al., 2016). By researching and reading the literature that is relevant to their topics, these teachers mentioned that they use the findings of the educational research to inform and shape their practices by analysing and translating the research findings to pedagogical practice, and assess the effectiveness of new ways of teaching (Admiraal et al., 2016). Furthermore, Admiraal et al. (2016) proposed suggestions to close the gap between educational research and teachers’ pedagogical practice by offering more opportunities for collaborations between researchers and practitioners, and encouraging teachers to embark academic

SPE 513 WEEK 3 DQ 1 ROLE OF GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

Based on my prior knowledge and this week’s resource, I see a little clear why action research can help me address the needs of my students better. This week I have learned the difference between action research/teacher inquiry and education traditional research. Also, I have learned the relationship between action research and teacher professional growth and decision making. Last, I have been able to see what teacher inquiry/action research look like, how they are similar and different.

Teacher education is enhanced by using teachers as researchers. Teachers, who do research, can provide information on student interaction and classroom environments, and have a broad sampling field due to the amount of time spent in scholastic settings. This kind of action research allows a teacher to share with others what she/he has learned. It also offers to them, foundations for decisions regarding appropriate interventions and outcomes for improving students’ education or literacy within their classroom or school. When a teacher/researcher collects data for the purpose of research, they will mostly likely use a qualitative method (Johnson, 2008). Within this research, data is collected through observations and the answering of questions that relate to the data. Using this method, questions are more open ended and less defined, so there is more room for researchers to collect a variety of data. There are many ways that data can be collected for research purposes such as, the use of rubrics, student profiles, logs, and observation records that may consist of anecdotal records, checklists, reflections, conferences, interviews, and surveys. During my CIRG 621 my action research was based around Math. Although these courses are geared toward Reading Language arts I wanted to improve my student’s math scores and my ability to

“One of the essential roles of special education teachers is coteaching and working with other professionals, as well as communicating with family members and between special education teachers and other school-related professionals(Vaughn & Bos, 2015, p. 114)”. With the importance of a least restrictive environment special education and general education teachers are working together in a classroom with varying levels and abilities of learners. It is vitally important to have an effective relationship between the two teachers while developing and implementing lesson plans for learners with special needs. The physical space and dynamics of the classroom should fit the needs of the students and the established procedures should ensure a highly functional environment. Importantly, educators need to communicate to families “encouragement about what they can do at home and about an effective plan for providing instructional supports for their child(Vaughn & Bos, 2015, p. 114)”.

Modeling is crucial for teacher leadership. In my twenty-three years as an educator, I have learned that the best way for me to teach others is by first modeling the practices myself. As a teacher leader, it is important that I model sound, professional characteristics to gain the respect of others. I have to maintain a positive, inclusive environment for all stakeholders of the learning community. This begins in the classroom by using scientifically-based, differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse populations of learners. In addition, this modeling continues to fellow colleagues and administrators by demonstrating a passion for educating myself, as well as others.

Research is defined as a ‘systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry that aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge’ (Stenhouse cited by Grigg, 2015). Critics argue that professional enquiry in the teaching industry is lacking in teachers using action research on a regular basis, which ultimately would improve the quality of teaching (Burgess cited by Grigg, 2015). However, as educational theory is always changing

In this paper, I will reflect on my new knowledge and skills that I have acquired regarding teacher leadership, supportive communication and collaboration. I will also reflect on practical application of these skills, such as assessing the needs, problems or issues, and creating the action plan to address the issues. In the end, I will define how teacher leadership can positively affect student learning and achievement.

As we grow in education, it always seems as in there is someone that is left behind. Educators need to be able to reach out as many students as possible, but some may argue that it does not feel this way. Often, students with special education needs are considered to be too difficult to teach, or simple just a “lost cause.” The way we interact and care for all students not only shows in each student, but it shows in the impact it has on the community as a whole.

During my field work experience, I got the opportunity to work with my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Francisca Gachett, who has been teaching for over 11 years. She worked between 2005 and 2013 in community school with students with special needs and English Language Learners children. She then furthered her career in the Department of Education, working in District 75, where she has taught for the last three years. She got the opportunity to work within an ICT, 6:1:1, and 12:1:1: settings. As Mrs. Gachett continues to grow working with Special Education, where her love grows stronger for her students. She creates a bond with her students which makes them felt loved and wanted in the classroom. Mrs. Gachett don’t believe in the no child left behind act. She believe that the no child left behind should not related to special needs children. Special needs children testing are not able to grasp the curriculum that required. They are not advance enough to cultivate in that population as the regular students. The purpose for her believe is that each students need someone to believe in them. Believe that no matter what stage they’re in, they can still be the person they want to be. Mrs. Gachett says “when I look at my students, I see them as how I see my own children.” Mrs. Gachetty was blessed to have two children of her own. She says that “I treat my students the same way I would want my children to be treated. I want them to be comfortable and confidence in their classroom, where

The concept and practice of teacher leadership have gained momentum in the past two decades. Teachers are assuming more leadership functions at both instructional and organizational levels of practice. Empirical literature reveals effects of teacher leadership practice, teacher leader characteristics, and conditions that promote and challenge teacher leadership.