According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of special education is continually growing. The need for special education educators is plentiful. Part of being an educator is staying aware of the newest trends by reading books by the top authorities on the subject of special education. Reading at least five great books for special education teachers is a good way for any educator to prepare for the upcoming school year. These books provide insight to teachers on how to approach students who don’t learn in a traditional way. Take a look at five examples of great books for teachers who have the privilege of teaching in the growing field of special education.
1. Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential, by Rich Weinfield
The author of this book has over 20 years of experience working with children who have special needs. From this book, teachers can learn how to develop accommodations that help their special students absorb their lessons in an effective way. Also, this book explains the role of a teacher in a student’s academic life and how to set a positive, encouraging tone in the classroom. Teachers will also find ways to establish a supportive environment and learn about tools they can use to enhance their lessons.
2. A Mind at a Time, by Mel Levine
The author, Dr. Levine, explains how teachers can identify the learning patterns of each of their students and adjust daily lessons to fit these patterns. He outlines the eight neurodevelopmental systems that deal with memory, language and sequential ordering along with other skills. He shows teachers how students can strengthen each of these eight systems to allow them to learn in a more effective way. This author encourages teachers as well as parents to see each child as an individual with his or her own way of learning about the world.
3. Using Technology to Engage Students with Learning Disabilities, by William Krakower
This a great book for special education teachers who want to learn more about the cutting edge technology available to their students. Teachers can find out about new learning strategies to help those students who find it difficult to express themselves. Plus, this book offers ideas on how technology can contribute to basic or core lessons taught in most schools. Teachers can show students how to expand on their ideas using this technology and how to use various devices at home as they work on projects for school.
4. Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, by William Heward
New teachers and experienced ones alike can benefit from this book. Teachers can learn about the traits and characteristics of these students. Furthermore, they can find out the best ways to teach their students based on solid educational research. Information is provided regarding assistive technology such as PDAs that can help students learn their lessons in an effective fashion. This book is in its tenth edition and has incorporated the latest teaching trends for teachers who are looking for new ways to serve the special needs of their students.
5. The Autistic Brain, by Temple Grandin
The author of this book was diagnosed with autism in the early 1950s. Temple Grandin has led a productive, successful life. In this book, she sheds light on the thinking processes of an autistic person. Through this book, teachers can learn more about the condition of autism and the different ways that their students approach things. Temple Grandin goes into subjects such as pattern thinking and thinking in a visual way. The experiences shared by the author about her own childhood can lend to a teacher’s understanding of his or her own students.
These are just a sampling of the helpful books available to teachers. Reading these five great books for special education teachers can help educators serve their students to the best of their ability.
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