Special Education and Its Importance
Everyone deserves the right to a well-rounded education. Regardless of any differences, disabilities or special needs. Here at Gooroo, we are big believers in accessible learning. That’s why in 2022 we’re aiming to have more clubs and content aimed at special education. But, what does that mean? Join us in today’s blog where we discuss this very important factor of education. And, how you can get involved with our mission.
What is Special Education?
Special education is the practice of educating students in a way that provides accommodations.It addresses their individual:
- Learning disabilities such as dyslexia
- Communication Disorders
- Emotional and Behavioural Disorders such as ADHD
- Physical Disabilities such as cerebral palsy
- Developmental Disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders
- And, many other disabilities
Ideally, it involves:
- individually teaching plans
- adapted equipment and materials
- accessible settings
Ultimately, it helps these individuals to gain a higher level of personal self-sufficiency. Thus, leading them to success in school and in their community.
The opposite of special education is general education. This is the standard curriculum presented without special teaching methods or support. However, those receiving special education services can also enroll in a general education setting. Especially if provisions can be made, such as the use of a computer for those unable to write by hand. Thus, there is not a need for a smaller separate classroom.
But, how do we identify who needs support?
Some disabilities are less obvious than others, especially when it comes to learning. There are two primary methods that are used to identify them:
- The discrepancy model. This depends of the teacher noticing a student performing below what is expected. Thus, resulting in the teacher suggesting the student should receive additional support.
- The response to intervention model. This model seeks to intervene before the discrepancy model. It offer frequent progress monitor and immediate help for those struggling. Additionally, it aims to identify students within the first or second year of starting school.
Methods
Over the years, these methods prove to be the most effective in special education.
- Goal Directed. Each student receives a Individualised Education Program (IEP) that distinguishes their particular needs. They must get the services that are deign for them. Thus, allowing the learners to reach rather annual goals as well as any short-term goals also.
- Research-Based Methods. Once the correct methods determine where to place a child, the best way of learning must be decided. There are a number of different programs include Wilson Reading Program and Direct Instruction.
- Guided by Student Performance. Alongside the assessment of IEP goals, constant informal assessments take place. They are a guide for teacher to determine if the materials is too difficult or too easy.
We Need You
One of Gooroo’s goals in 2022 is to become more accessible. In order to do this, we want to expand our special education content. But, we need expert instructors to help us do that? Keeping reading to see if you’re a fit and how to apply!
Gooroo is looking for bright and energetic Certified Special Education Teachers/Content Creator passionate about education and helping students achieve their full potential through Project-Based/Hands-On Learning. Gooroo is looking to add wonderful special education teachers to their education team to reach students everywhere through their after school clubs program. We are looking for teachers with experience working with individuals who have
- Other health impairment (OHI), for example ADHD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- A specific learning disability (SLD), for example Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.
- An emotional disability (ED), for example Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
- A Vision Impairment (VI) or experience blindness
- An Intellectual Disability, for example Down Syndrome.
- Been labeled as having a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
You will work with our education team to design content that aligns with our curriculum and club standards while helping students improve their academic skills.
Instructors are willing to have their courses shot and produced in person by our team at the Gooroo Office (333 W 39th St Suite 403, New York, NY 10018). This is an independent contractor position.
This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who are looking for a flexible work schedule and seeking to embrace their personal creativity while spreading awareness tools available to people who may have a specific learning disability.
As a Certified Special Education Teachers/Content Creator, you will work closely with the Gooroo team to come up with various educational video concepts for Gooroo Clubs.
Requirements/ Qualifications:
- 18+ years of age
- Certified special education teacher with 2 years of experience
- Comfortable speaking in front of cameras
- Capable of taking curriculum-specific topics and standards and turning them into 15-30 minute long lessons fit for middle schoolers using hands-on projects
- Able to commute to our studio in Manhattan (we can not compensate for travel at this time)
- Vaccinated against Covid-19
- If you are selected as a club instructor, be ready to submit a sample video of you instructing a 3-5 minute project targeting a middle school student who may experience one of the above mentioned disabilities. This is a mandatory component of our screening process
Responsibilities:
- Create and execute on a video series in an area of expertise
- Includes scripting course and shooting in-person*
- Plan and submit needed course material in a timely manner following our instructor guidebook
Compensation:
- $100 per 15-30 minute video (minimum of three videos per instructor)*
COVID-19 considerations:
- Staff will take temperature on site and provide a Covid Safe Environment
TO APPLY please send your CV and a teaching sample video (3-5mins) to clubs@gooroo.com
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