Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Philosophy of Special Education

Introduction to Inclusive Teaching
Samantha Sharkey
Ivy Tech Community College

Standard #1: Learner Development -The teacher understands how learners grow and
develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and
across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and
implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Title of Artifact: Philosophy of Special Education
Date: April 30th, 2016
Course: Introduction to Inclusive Teaching
Description: I chose Standard 1 because it talks about teachers understanding their students and
how they learn. This relates to my Philosophy of Special Education because I talk about myself
as a future educator and the role I will play in my students learning experiences. I plan on
working with my students closely to ensure their academic success.
Rationale: Writing out my philosophy of education is very helpful. It makes me think deeper
about what I want my future to look like as an educator and what kind of teacher I want to be.

PHILOSOPHY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Understanding this will help me be able to relate the information I am continuing to learn to my
future as an educator.

As a Special Educator I believe it is very important to remember the individuality each of

my students has. I will view my students as a person before their disability. I will respect them
for who they are and I will strive to help them reach their full potential. I believe it so important
to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness in my classroom as well as encouraging my students to
join their peers in activities outside of the classroom. I believe that is important to communicate
with your students frequently and to be a good listener as a teacher.
I want to teach my students appropriate social behaviors and life skills. I want the
students to strive academically but also grow in their independence outside of my classroom. I
will try to establish trust by consistently listening to my students concerns without judging and
understanding how my students may perceive a given situation differently. I will explore their
perspectives and listen for insight. I will most definitely have the highest of expectations for all

PHILOSOPHY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

of my students. I will encourage them in the best ways that I possibly can. I will learn what my
students interests, strengths and weaknesses are so that I can assist them to the best of my
ability.
As a Special Educator, I feel I will closely observe how my students perform and adapt
my teaching and classroom activities to fit their needs. I strongly believe that every single
student learns differently. That is why I love the idea of UDL classrooms.
Having the ability to have had so much experience with people disabilities has allowed
me to view them in such a different way than a lot of people do. I view them for who they are; a
person. I can clearly see that they are just like me. And having that mindset of putting the person
before their disability is very important mindset to have as a Special Education teacher. I feel that
my mindset towards people with disabilities will be very beneficial in my role as a Special
Education teacher. I think that through that mindset I will be able to encourage my students and
build them up in many ways.