A crucial part of a school administrator’s role is supporting special education teachers in their schools. According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, during the 2018-2019 school year, “14% of all public school students ages 3-21 received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Of that number, 95% were enrolled in traditional public schools and more than 60% of those spent the majority of their day in general education classrooms.” Special education is a large part of public education. School administrators play an important role in supporting special education teachers and making these educators feel included and encouraged.
The online Master of School Administration program from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke can teach students how to positively impact future generations as school administrators. This program can also help students develop their practical knowledge as prominent educational leaders and prepare them for successful careers.
Ways School Leaders Can Support Their Special Education Teachers
School administrators can assist special education teachers by creating an inclusive and supportive school environment for students with disabilities. By initiating culturally responsive learning strategies, establishing goals and adjusting classroom materials to meet the needs of individual students, special education teachers can assist administrators in reaching their goal of supporting their special education staff.
A strong relationship between special education instructors and administration based on trust and respect leads to more effective communication and collaboration. In addition, administrators can assist and empower their teachers when those in leadership positions realize that special education teachers need encouragement and support and understand that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work.
Assist Special Education Efforts With an Advanced School Administration Degree
Developed for working educators and administrators, UNC Pembroke’s online Master of School Administration program can enhance the ability to strategically realize the mission, vision and goals to meet the modern needs of every classroom. This 100% online program offers interactive and engaging hands-on learning to build up the educational foundation to help students in this program enrich their professional learning community as influential school administrators.
The core course entitled School Based Management can help students develop effective management strategies and understand management complexities that influence decisions related to the use of instructional time, fiscal responsibility, resource management, evaluating instruction, public school law mandates and external and internal communication. This course familiarizes graduates with prioritizing special education as school principals or administrators.
When school leaders get to know the families of the special education students, regularly review the school’s legal obligations to special education students and observe learners in their classroom environment, they can offer support to the students, their families and the teachers. To become more connected with the students and educators, administrators must be familiar with the individualized education program (IEP), the legal document that defines the services special education students will receive and the progress they should be making toward functional and academic goals, and also understand the impact of discipline and determining if the behavior of the student is an expression of their disability.
What’s Next
Led by experienced faculty members, UNC Pembroke’s online Master of School Administration program has multiple start dates throughout the year for the convenience of working educators and administrators. With courses such as Analyzing Educational Issues, Ethical and Societal Aspects of Educational Leadership, Leading School Improvement and Organizational Change, and Legal Aspect of Educational Leadership, graduates of this program will be well-qualified to pursue careers as school administrators and support their teaching staff.
Learn more about the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s online Master of School Administration program.
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