The People You Meet: Educational Professionals

Related: Education, School, Parents, More TagsChildren with Learning Disabilities, Fewer Tags

by Eileen Bailey
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Teacher - Your child's teacher is the person that teaches either a specific subject or a general curriculum. Teachers provide teaching in both learning and thinking skills. Normally, elementary school teachers will teach all of the major subjects to their pupils while middle school and high school teachers specialize in a specific subject, such as math or science. Teachers must have at least a Bachelor's Degree and have taken a teacher-training program. Teachers must hold a current teacher's certification. Some teachers have gone on to receive their Master's Degree.

School Psychologist - School psychologists have undergone extensive training in both psychology and education. They work with children and teens academically, socially and emotionally. They perform evaluations and provide recommendations for services and accommodations at IEP meetings and often attend the meetings. School psychologists may develop programs to train teachers and parents in effective ways to help children learn; work individually with students in crisis or with special needs.

Special Education Teacher - Special Education Teachers are licensed and certified teachers that specialize in working with students with special needs. This can include students with either mental of physical disabilities, such as learning disabilities, autism, deafness, emotional disorders, physical disabilities and visual impairments. Special education teachers often have received their Master's Degree. Special education teachers work with parents and other school personnel to help create educational plans for each student based on their individual needs.

Speech Therapist - Speech therapists, also known as Speech and Language Pathologists, are licensed professionals. Many states require speech therapists to have at least a Master's Degree in speech and language pathology.  These professionals diagnose and treat speech and language disorders, work to improve cognitive-communication, voice problems, difficulties in swallowing and work with students to improve stuttering. Speech therapists work closely with students and their families to develop strategies and learning to live with a speech disorder.

Tutor - A tutor provides on-on-one instruction to a student in a specific subject. Some students work with a variety of subjects, but often a tutor specializes, such as a math tutor or reading tutor. Tutors often work with a teacher, using the same textbooks and classroom materials to help reinforce what is being learned in the classroom. Many school districts offer after school tutoring where either teachers or older students that excel in a specific subject work with struggling students. Parents can also find private tutoring through individuals or tutoring centers.

Vice Principal - The Vice Principal, sometimes referred to as Assistance Principal, normally handles discipline and absenteeism within the school. They will sometimes discuss vocational and educational concerns or work with scheduling classes. Administrative duties may include ordering textbooks and working with the principal to set and monitor policy.