What is a resource teacher?

Resource teachers are a valuable asset for children with disabilities because they often require modifications or accommodations with their education to keep up with the workload of a specific subject, for example, mathematics, English, or comprehension.

Resource teachers do not tend to help individual children on individual subjects; they are more likely to work with small groups of children on various academic subjects. They do not do the children's homework for them, but they will assist with any specific problems they may encounter.

Resource teachers are primarily a resource for students to get the extra help that they may need, especially if there are areas where they find the course to be more difficult or they feel that they are overwhelmed with their workload. Most resource teachers work with children with mild or moderate disabilities.

They use traditional teaching methods modified from the general education curriculum to meet each student's needs. Part of their job is also to set individual and realistic targets for each child with the help of the child's regular teacher.

They are responsible for monitoring, recording, and assessing each child's progress against the targets that have been set. Resource teachers will function as another teacher for the child. Both teachers will meet with the child's parents on important days, such as parent-teacher conferences, to discuss progress.

Some schools may have special individual rooms called Resource Rooms. These rooms are like study halls where students who are having trouble in classes can access computers, reference books, and other educational aids, as well as resource teachers.

Each room is fitted with technology that can help students with learning difficulties, such as computers with synthesized speech or audiotapes. Sometimes students will be sent to the resource room to take an exam or test if they have been absent or sick at the time of the exam or need special accommodations.

Alternatively, if a student needs to take a break from the class or another student, they can retire to the Resource Room and continue their work away from distractions without any severe discipline found in a normal classroom situation.

Resource teachers are primarily involved in developing the student's behavioral, social, and academic skills, helping them to progress emotionally and teaching them to interact effectively in everyday social situations. Another important aspect of the job is to begin to prepare students for daily working life after they graduate.