Activists Want Better Teachers

Currently, “teacher requirements” for people with physical/mental challenges seem to be at an all-time low.  Congress hopes to increase academic standards.   US Senate Representatives are contemplating bringing back a law that requires teachers to be “highly mastered” in their profession, but activists strongly oppose the move.

“The current amendment has opened the floodgates for more and more uncertified special education teachers to serve students with disabilities,” reads the letter from the education task force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of nearly 100 disability organizations. “Being an effective teacher for a student with autism or intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities requires sophisticated skill and is not mastered in a five-week program.”

Activists also stated in the letter that this type of practice is having a disappointing outcome on a student’s self esteem.  Two Senate Committees had a chance to act on the law.  However, both committees chose to ignore the law leaving the topic open for further discussion. 

When accommodating a person with a physical/mental challenge, in the classroom it is necessary to consider areas such as: motor challenges, balance difficulties, and gripping obstacles.  Students may also require assistance with low-vision and may need to use communication devices.  They may also struggle from a various number of mental health conditions such as bi-polar disorder and anxiety.

When we Stand Together:    https://askjan.org/media/educators.html