Special Educator's Dilemma: Choosing Between Self-Contained and Resource Teaching!

Welcome to our insightful discussion on choosing between self-contained and resource teaching in special education! Deciding to become a self-contained teacher or resources teacher can be challenging for educators. In this video, we explore the key differences, benefits, and considerations of each classroom type to help you make and informed decision on what kind of teacher you want to be. Join us as we navigate this important topic! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to spark meaningful conversations about inclusive education!
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[@christygreen9550]

As a former self contained teacher, I found that the paras were often more difficult than the students. The most I've had to manage at once was 4. Whew! I now work as an Inclusion Teacher in 5 & 6th grade. I support ELAR classes only and go into 6 classes per day.

[@ActiviTeach]

It’s amazing how much of a difference strong classroom support can make. Your transition to an Inclusion Teacher sounds like a big shift-how are you enjoying working across multiple classrooms each day?

[@christygreen9550]

@ActiviTeach I really like it. I do have a large case load. But I really don't mind sitting in meetings. Cause I love bragging about my students. It's quite a bit different cause the curriculum is gen ed. I was in ABA classrooms my whole teaching career prior. I do love the breaks in between classes. The students change classes & have 7 periods.

[@ActiviTeach]

@@christygreen9550 That's all great to hear! Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@agalnamedasia]

Thank you for this video! I’m considering getting an MAT in Special Education and am not sure about adapted vs. general curriculum. This gave me more insight about the workloads in different positions.

[@ActiviTeach]

I am so glad this video could help! Good luck with your decision and thank you so much for watching! ❤❤

[@monicajimenez1261]

I completely understand and agree with you, my principal never had time for us in our self contained

[@ActiviTeach]

That is so sad and frustrating! 😭 The principal can really make or break your teaching experience.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

What’s the difference from inclusion vs resource?

[@ActiviTeach]

They are basically the same thing! Every district does it different but from my experience, inclusion teachers mostly push into the gen ed classrooms. Resource teachers (depending on the position) can teach students in a separate classroom or push into the gen ed classrooms also.

[@shawnfeddern8553]

Not teaching fully yet. Getting training for K-12 Mild to Medium Disabilities.

[@megeanrice9195]

I am a self contained teacher for 7th-12th graders. I have 13 student with only 2 aids. When one aide is gone I get no subs or support. The behaviors were horrible this year because I had two children that transitioned. I was an RBT in an ABA clinic before I started teaching and that was very intense but I didn’t have to make lesson plans and write IEPs/behavior plans. There is an open resource room position at my school but I am nervous about switching. I love my students but it is a lot of work and I have two young children at home and just finished my masters and did a T2T program. I have two students that have to be changed three times a day and tube fed twice a day. I also have one student in pull-ups. I have a few students that have really tough behaviors but they have made so much progress. I think I’m nervous to see someone else come in and potentially ruin all the success! I also do love the freedom of running my classroom the way I want. I’m just mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day!

[@ActiviTeach]

That does sound extremely overwhelming. I also have young children at home and this definitely adds to the stress of the job of being a special education teacher. It can be so hard at times. Making that switch to resource could potentially be a good option for you! Like I said, in my own personal experiences teaching resource was much easier and a lot less overwhelming than self-contained ever was. But I do think self-contained is more rewarding though. Pros and cons to both!

[@andreafolli9397]

It is SO tough! Maybe you mentioned and I missed it, but how long have you been in your current classroom? It sounds like you love your students it's just exhausting, especially with two little ones at home. I totally get that! I went through the same thing. Today, after 28 years total, 17 self contained life skills program for 14 to 17, and 4 years to retirement, I am so GRATEFUL for my students and my program. Try to last one more year. Your students need the love YOU give. I promise you, in the end, you will get so much more out of them than they will ever get out of you. Please reach out if I can help. @creator, thank you so much for the resources. Science has always been my weakest area and I am always looking to up my game!

[@andreafolli9397]

*Also, can you make arrangements, even if you add it to the IEP, toileting and feeding to be done by the nurse (especially feeding). That will free up a great deal of time. I definitely think you have a lot in that classroom, especially when staff is absent. One of my biggest weaknesses, (and I still work on 😊) DELEGATING! I always want to control, maybe I think it is my ultimate responsibility, but I promise, learn it now and save yourself so much stress. Good luck!!

[@nadiamajors390]

going into my 2nd year as elementary resource teacher

[@Lillyjpotter]

My degree is Special Ed K-12 Mild to Moderate. 1:12 So when I’m applying how do I know what I’m looking for, what’s better for me? 2:00

[@ActiviTeach]

I have a video coming out soon about what to look for when applying for a special education job and red flags to look out for!

[@Lillyjpotter]

@@ActiviTeach I’ll subscribe so I don’t miss it. I’m doing special education because I feel like if I had been tested I would’ve fallen under the umbrella. I was Title 1 for math (showing my age?) and all some of these kids need is someone to listen and care. I can do that.

[@ActiviTeach]

@@Lillyjpotter You are going to be an amazing teacher! ❤❤

[@Lillyjpotter]

@@ActiviTeachhi. I’m back! I’m subbing this year and I have 7-8 subbing jobs for SPED coming up and I don’t know if they’re self contained or resource yet.

[@ActiviTeach]

@@Lillyjpotter That is so great to hear! I hope you love your position as a sub in the special education setting! ❤❤

[@megeanrice9195]

I also have a caseload of 20 students because I take care of students who are placed at the ABA clinic as well as a few students who are home bound .

[@shawnfeddern8553]

I kind of like both as a substitute, but I don't think I could handle some of the medical needs and attending to those needs in moderate to severe. In the case of autism and such I don't mind working with nonverbal, but verbal is so much nicer in my opinion. I like working all grade levels but I kind of prefer one of the elementaries I work at.

[@ActiviTeach]

Yeah I could see that! Everyone has different personalities and different preferences when it comes to the students they want to work with!

[@shawnfeddern8553]

@@ActiviTeach and let's all be thankful for that!