So, like, Kellen Hedler is, like, totally rocking it in his fourth-grade class at Frontier Elementary School in Edmond, Okla. He’s, like, all engaged and stuff, raising his hand to answer math questions, reading out loud, and watching science experiments with his classmates. And get this – Kellen has Down syndrome but still spends a huge chunk of his day with his non-disabled peers. Pretty cool, right?
His homeroom teacher, Adam Frederick, is all about that inclusion vibe. But, you know, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He studied to be a general education teacher in college, but, like, didn’t really learn how to teach students like Kellen. He was all about differentiating lessons and stuff, but when he was actually in the classroom, he felt super unprepared. Real people, real situations – not exactly a walk in the park.
So, here’s the deal – more and more students with disabilities are hanging out in regular classrooms these days. Back in 1989, only like a third of them spent most of their day in general education. But fast forward to 2022, and that number more than doubled. That means teachers gotta be ready to handle all kinds of learners, right?
But, here’s the thing – turns out, the big universities out there are a bit all over the place when it comes to prepping future teachers for this inclusive classroom party. Like, some schools only require one special education course for elementary teacher prep programs. Others need more than that.
But hey, the times they are a-changin’. Some schools are now offering these dual-licensure programs that give students both general education and special education certifications. Fancy, right? It’s happening at places like Texas A&M, Wichita State, and a bunch of others. So, maybe there’s hope for all those future teachers out there.
Over at the University of Central Florida, they’re all about that inclusive teaching life. They’ve been shaking things up for the past seven years, making sure their teacher prep program is all about learning through experience. They’re not just talking theory – they’re throwing students into classroom internships to learn on the job. Smart move, if you ask me.
And let’s not forget about Universal Design for Learning – a teaching practice that’s all about being flexible and meeting the needs of every student. None of this one-size-fits-all business. It’s like, in a first-grade math lesson, you might see pictures, tactile items, and virtual tools being used to explain stuff. No boring worksheets here.
But, you know, it’s not just about special education classes. It’s about infusing inclusive practices throughout the whole teacher prep program. You gotta be ready to handle all kinds of learners, not just the typical ones. It’s like being prepared for anything that comes your way in the classroom.
So, what’s the deal with these new dual licensure programs popping up all over the place? Well, they’re all about making sure teachers can handle both general and special education classrooms. It’s like getting the best of both worlds. But, to benefit from these programs, people gotta actually choose to enroll in them instead of sticking to the traditional education programs. Choices, choices.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure every student feels supported and has what they need to succeed. It’s not just about teaching – it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. And hey, maybe these new programs are the way to go. Who knows? But one thing’s for sure – change is on the horizon, and it’s looking pretty darn inclusive.
