SPED TEACHER
CONNIE ALLERA DANTES
A lot of people know that SPED, or special education classes, are for students with exceptional intelligence. The cream of the crop, so to speak. But unknown to many, there’s also a SPED program for students with special needs, more particularly those with physical or learning problems. These children need to be prepared to become productive members of society. Children with disabilities should be provided too with equal educational opportunities.
The government, through the Department of Education, mandates that all schools divisions shall organize at least one SPED center which will cater to children with special needs. All districts shall also organize SPED program in school where there are identified children with special needs. This is contained in the DECS ( DepEd) Order no.26 series of 1997,which is in support to the implementation of Republic Act 7277, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.
Children with special needs also need a special teacher. I am happy and blessed to be one of them. Being a special education teacher is not an easy job. While we have fewer students than our counterparts, teaching these special kids is a challenging and daunting task. It takes more training, knowledge and teaching skills to address their special needs and individual differences. A SPED teacher must have a big heart and open mind. A SPED teacher must be committed to give hope to these children.
I have always believed that we are born equal in the eyes of the Lord. Every child is a precious gift and a blessing from Him. Every child deserves to be loved and to be cared for. To provide this care to special kids, a SPED teacher must be fully aware of their situation. They are so special that they need extra care, extra help and extra time. Their mute and faint voices must be heard. A SPED teacher must therefore learn to listen and feel what’s inside these kid’s hearts.
Acceptance, love, devotion and patience are the key to enter the world and touch the lives of these special kids. Despite of their condition they need to looked at as a blessing too. In spite of their limitations, they need to be encouraged to have a positive outlook towards life. They need to become stronger and better persons to face the cruel and uncaring world and overcome life’s many challenges.
The job of a SPED teacher is not just to teach academics. We are the ears, the voices and the hands of learners. They communicate their inner thoughts and feelings through us. They get their inner strengths and power from their mentors. Like you and me, they also turn to God, our Creator for guidance and strength. When you are with these children, you can see the happiness, joy and smile in their faces and happiness in their own little way.
I must say that being a SPED teacher is a calling, God called us for a purpose. I am lucky and fortunate to be one of the chosen one. But SPED teachers are ordinary human beings too, with weaknesses and shortcomings. Sometimes, guilt of not being competent enough sets in. We also need special energy and extra strength to guide our pupils in this part of their journey in life.
Throughout the challenges of being a SPED teacher, God has been the source of my strength. My work is my vocation and my mission. It’s my way of giving Him praise and glory. Seeing my students succeed in life makes it all worthwhile to be a SPED teacher. In the end, I can only say one thing. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
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III at Mauaque Resettlement High School,
The author is SPED Teacher Mabalacat City