DOD SpEd Class Size and Paperwork

[teachabroad]

Does anyone know how classes are structured for special ed. at the elementary, ms, hs levels? Are disabilities categorized/classified as mild to moderate, and moderate to severe? How does the paperwork compare to California?

Thank you

[wrldtrvlr123]

[quote="teachabroad"]Does anyone know how classes are structured for special ed. at the elementary, ms, hs levels? Are disabilities categorized/classified as mild to moderate, and moderate to severe? How does the paperwork compare to California?

Thank you[/quote]
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It varies widely from school to school with certain schools in a given area designated to have more self-contained classes and/or more comprehensive programs. Classes at all levels could involve self-contained, resource, push-in, pull-out etc.

Disabilities are categorized and classified but students receive placements/services on a fairly individualized basis. I've never worked in California but I would say the paperwork is comparable, probably less intensive.

[PsyGuy]

We use mild, moderate, severe, multiple and emotional general classifications.
I agree with wrldtrvlr123, at my school you have to read each IEP carefully because one label doesnt really code or infer a particular set of adaptations and modifications.

If i was painting with a VERY broad brush i would say that ES is more inclusion (push in) and secondary is more resource (pull out), but it really depends on the student. I have one upper secondary student that has an inclusion teacher for all of his core classes.

SPED teachers have less paperwork then California requirements, but only marginally. The big difference is the far fewer stresses placed on document production. We are tight small communities and everyone is usually far more understanding and cooperative in getting it done right the first time, and you have a lot less screaming and "us vs. them" as you do in a public school.

I would however defer to wrldtrvlr123 whoa actually works in SPED and im a general ed teacher.

[teachabroad]

How prevalent are SPED jobs in DOD schools?? How about APE?

[btech]

Good question teachabroad, I am curious too.

I'm curious because I am considering become SPED certified, and am curious if this would actually be a "golden ticket" within a couple years to getting hired into DODEA, whether it's Japan or wherever.

[wrldtrvlr123]

[quote="teachabroad"]How prevalent are SPED jobs in DOD schools?? How about APE?[/quote]
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It's a bit of a catch 22. There are SPED teachers at every DoDEA school with varying roles and job descriptions but then again there are fewer SPED teachers/openings compared to some other specific subject or ES teachers/openings.

On the 3rd hand, there are fewer well qualiified SPED candidates out there then many other teaching areas. So, overall I would say it's a good move. Make certain that you look at the certification areas/requirements and tailor your program to getting DoDEA certified in as many areas as possible (e.g. mild to moderate. moderate to severe, physicallly impaired, emotionally impaired etc).

Also, in thinking about it more, I would say that the paperwork/documentation is less onerous than the other two state systems I have worked in. In general, IEP meetings are very smooth and no is putting you and your documentation of goals, etc under a microscope. Grades and IEPs are computer based and reporting is fairly painless. I love it, actually.

[teachabroad]

1) Are DOD SpEd teaching positions more prevalent in a particular region? I've read that it is easier to find DOD teaching jobs in Korea and Japan vs Europe- does that hold true for SpEd teachers as well? My preference would be Europe...

I am seeking input from those with DOD insight about my current marketability as a DOD schools SpEd teacher applicant...

I am relatively new to formal classroom teaching- in my 3rd year as a public elementary classroom SpEd teacher for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities- I also manage two Instructional Aids that work with me.

In addition to my 'Cleared' Mild/Mod credential, I also have an APE credential, Autism cert., and ESL cert. In California, these credentials qualify me for teaching K-12 (and beyond- to 22yrs).

I have been with the same district for all 3 yrs, have taught some APE (one student on my caseload requires it as per the IEP), and taught Transition (18-22yrs) summer school this past summer.

My self-contained classroom has 15 K-5 students- we differentiate like no ones business!

In addition, I have a K-8 Gen Ed credential, and a K-12 PE credential, and a Exercise/Sports Science degree with an emphasis on strength and conditioning coaching (although it's been a few years since I've been involved with coaching).

I do have some experience (18 months) working with adjudicated ED HS age students in group homes, as a Recreation Specialist, but without an ED (or any kind of) cert. Nonetheless, I taught health and PE classes in which they earned HS credit- this was pre-credential.

I also have an 'Honorable' discharge from the Navy where I served as a Line Corpsman (combat medic) for the 1st Marine Division- this involved many formal and informal teaching opportunities/classes with my Marines: combat first-aid, STD prevention, CPR, etc.

I have good/excellent rapport with my administrators, and many letters of reference from past employers.

I am single w/out dependents, early 40's, and in excellent health.

2) Am I a strong candidate?

3) Are the current cut backs at DOD schools affecting SpEd teaching jobs?

4) My opposition to including Korea/Japan in my application is mainly due to my new car- I've read that it's a royal pain to get it up to Korean/Japanese standards (although it is a California car, with highest EPA restrictions/standards in U.S.) Is this a worthy concern?

5) Are SpEd Teacher candidates informed any earlier than June/July as to whether or not they got the job?

6) Does HR consider applicants any earlier than the cut-off dates posted with the job announcements? Does it matter when submitting my application, to get it in as early as possible?

I know this is a lot, I tried to keep it succinct.

Thank you.

[PsyGuy]

1) Most teachers start out in PAC then EUR, in the past there were usually transfers from PAC to EUR. EUR district is also getting MUCH smaller

2) Your a strong candidate, but the applicant pool is full of strong candidates.

3) Yes they are fewer schools means larger classrooms and fewer teachers.

4) Your car will likely be fine.

5) SPED teachers get notified when they are selected or not selected as the vacancy closes and positions filled.

6) No, when principals start looking in June is when they start looking at everyone.