Summary
Special education is not all that it seems. In this interview, I came to learn about all that the
umbrella of “Special Education” includes. I learned about how the goals of a Special Education
changes depending on funding, school system, and grade level. Genia has worked with all of
these areas and discussed how the overall goals the teachers changed. She also talked a lot of
about the intense growth of mental illness and how that has affected a lot of her work. Finally,
one of the most important things that Genia talked about was how meaningful this kind of work
is.
QUESTIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER OR PARAPROFESSIONAL
First name or initials interviewee: Genia of
Subjects taught or supported: K-12 in public school for 40 years. Genia was a special ed
teacher, She also worked as a High School and Elementary school guidance counselor, now
she serves Anderson University with student needs.
Age students: see above of
Description of the special needs these students, including: MS, LDs, POTS, cancer, etc of
Name or types of conditions, syndromes, or disorders the class: in
Physical challenges: POTS - back anxiety issues (digestion issues, allergies) to
Intellectual challenges: dyslexia
Emotional challenges: GED anxiety and depression
Social challenges: the spectrum, on abt 7 students. more middle school issues. ODD - west oak
Equipment, therapies, additional support needed to address classroom challenges:
○
Activities the class enjoys. Include a description of any adaptations required for students
to be able participate these activities. to in
○
talk to groups = with service animal. Finding safe locations for meetings. RA dog
○
deaf student = interpreter available (75k a year at best)
