What is an inclusion teacher?

Special education students also regularly talk with the inclusion teacher about their feelings about the inclusion classroom and the progress made toward their goals. Because of the sensitive nature of a student's disabilities, the inclusion teacher ensures that confidential information is shared only with those authorized to hear it.

Conversations with students take place outside of the inclusion classroom, so they do not feel singled out and so that their peers do not overhear sensitive information. Documentation is a critical part of special education, too.

At regular reviews of a student's IEP and conferences with parents, inclusion teachers must show proof that they are adhering to the accommodations laid out in a student's IEP and provide evidence to explain whether the accommodations are working or require modification.

In addition to following the IEP, an inclusion teacher regularly assesses students to see if they are meeting their academic and developmental goals, tracks their growth, and keeps parents up to date on their child's progress.

Inclusion teachers must be aware of the need for collaboration and will be part of a larger team overseeing their students' education plans and curriculum. They will have to make sure that accommodations are met at all times and evaluate whether or not accommodations are needed on an ongoing basis or can be removed.

The biggest challenge that most inclusion teachers face is not teaching the curriculum but creating an environment where students feel comfortable and accepted. It involves creating an environment that celebrates diversity, fosters relationships, and encourages interaction while making learning clear to students.