Special education teachers are instructors who help with children who have specific needs. Special education teachers work with students who have disabilities recognized by the Individualized Education Program, or IEP. They also help students that do not have a disability. Special education teachers can work with up to 175 students and can help any students who need help or have any questions to ask.

Most special education teachers feel that students with disabilities work harder than other students. Karen Lomax, the special education Coordinator for Columbus East High School, agrees. “Many times, yes. Many [students] work harder to compensate for their disabilities, but some work hard to hide their disability or struggles,” Lomax said. Suzanne Romanski, another special education teacher, said, “Yes, many kids work harder. Some kids, on the other hand, have been working harder for so long they finally give up”.

Teachers find that certain students with disabilities tend to get embarrassed. They do not want other students to find out about their disability. Rebecca Daugherty, a speech teacher here, said, “Some students are very embarrassed by their disabilities. I think that students that have difficulties making their speech sounds tend to get very embarrassed. They think people will notice and so they choose not to speak to others.” Most students are embarrassed when they are in high school. Jeff Burgmeier, a special education teacher with the Social Studies department, responded that some students are very embarrassed by their disabilities because people will make fun of them.

Special education teachers treat students with disabilities and students without them all the same. All students should approach every person in the same manner.