Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 20 Unit 1 You—The Teacher of Tomorrow Teaching specialists. In addition to regular classroom teachers, most schools also rely on teachers who play special roles. In elementary school, you may have had separate teachers for music or physical education. Perhaps in middle school, specialty teachers taught Spanish or Chinese once a week. Reading specialists typically work with students who have difficulty with that key skill. Their training involves learning to identify specific reading prob- lems and help students progress. Special education teachers also fall into the category of teaching specialists. They work with students who have spe- cial learning needs. They use various techniques to help stu- dents learn. After carefully considering the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each individual student, teachers develop a plan of action for student success. A team of teachers and specialists (including a social worker and psychologist) along with parents or guardians often work together to develop these plans. Many special education teachers work with students who have mild to moderate learning disabilities. These students typically spend most of their day in regular classrooms. Some special education teachers assist students with specific disabil- ities in speech, hearing, sight, or language. Often they work with regular classroom teachers to adapt their teaching for these students. Others help children with emotional problems that impact learning. A few special education teachers work with students who have developmental disabilities—a group of conditions (physical, intellectual, or behavioral) that can severely impact learning. Developmental disabilities appear before age 18 and usually last a lifetime. With these students, teachers work on both basic literacy skills and life skills (Figure 1.13). Life skills can include social skills, self-care skills, and job-related skills for high school students. Career and technical education (CTE) teachers. These teachers instruct and train students to work in a wide variety of careers. They assist students in exploring career interests and connecting what they learn in the classroom with what they encounter in the real world. CTE teachers help students know what to expect when dealing with employers. Career and technical education covers many career pathways. For exam- ple, in trade and industrial fields, it includes training as automotive techni- cians, carpenters, and electricians. Career preparation in family and consumer sciences may include early childhood education, food production, hospitality management, apparel, and interior design. Career and technical education teachers also prepare students to work in the health occupations field, in public safety and security, and other technical areas. Career and technical education teachers teach in middle schools, high schools, and two-year colleges. Coaching, sports, and fitness programs. Many schools and universi- ties also have coaches for specific sports and physical activities. Coaches are responsible for training students in the rules, practices, and strategies of a particular sport. They provide athletic training and nutritional advice. They ensure all programs follow and maintain safety practices. Coaches also sup- port athletes and help students develop their strategies and skills. Specialized coaches manage a particular team, such as basketball, football, or volleyball. Boontoom Sae-Kor/Shutterstock.com Figure 1.13 For children who have developmental disabilities, special education teachers focus on basic literacy skills and skills for daily living.