Special Education Philosophy Statement

Special education has progressed immensely throughout the last century. The passing of
IDEA and Section 504 legislation transformed special education and changed schools
understanding of all disabilities and their attitude and approach towards disabilities. The passing
of IDEA and Section 504 also eliminated discrimination and improved the happiness and quality
of life of millions of disabled students throughout the country. A student could no longer be
treated unfairly or unequal because of a disability or any other reason, the law states that all
students must receive a free, appropriate education.
Although students with disabilities are entitled to and receive a free and appropriate
education, they will still face hardships and obstacles. From the first day of kindergarten to the
day they graduate high school, students with disabilities will endure negative remarks and be
bullied in almost every way from other students. For the disabled student concepts and materials
do not come easy, but that does not mean success is not within reach. One of the most beautiful
and inspiring things for teachers and parents of students with special need is watching them fight
against seemingly impossible odds to achieve life-changing goals. If the student chooses so, they
can achieve anything they desire through determination and their disability will not hold them
back. As an educator, I will treat all my students equal, and to do this I must treat each one
different, because they are all unique in their own way.
An education should be received in the least restrictive environment in order for the
disabled student to learn and grow in the best way possible. In other words, the disabled student
deserves the right to be educated in the general classroom setting with non-disabled peers, to the
greatest extent possible. The disabled student should be given the right to achieve the same goals
as their non-disabled peers. The student should be put in a more restrictive environment if the

goals cannot be achieved in the general classroom, but to the least extent possible. Placement is
generally more restricted when the disabled student has less of an opportunity to learn, grow, and
interact with their non-disabled peers.
A special education teacher plays many different and important roles in the life of the
disabled student. However, the most important role is to provide an environment that encourages
students to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. With passion, determination, and
discipline, the special education teacher can make a difference in disabled students, and provide
them with life-long skills that will better the quality of life and happiness of the students. The
general education teacher must never deny the disabled student inclusion into the mainstream
classroom. The general education teacher must realize that every one learns in different ways,
and inclusion means providing the help all students need to participate, learn, and grow in
meaningful ways. With the help and determination of the regular and special education teacher,
the potential of the disabled student is immeasurable. I will provide all my students with an
appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.