Educational leaders such as principals and school administrators are pivotal in creating a supportive learning environment for students of all abilities and needs. Every student deserves access to a quality education and the necessary resources to succeed. Ensuring that school academic and social programs are inclusive and benefit all students is a key responsibility for school administrators.
Professionals who want to develop the expertise to become influential school administrators benefit from the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Administration and Leadership program from St. Cloud State University. This flexible online program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as few as 10 months.
Supporting Special Education Teachers
U.S. schools are currently understaffed in special education, making it critical for administrators to support and retain the special education teachers they have. These teachers often face a shortage of resources and support in their work with varying student needs and behaviors.
Former special education teacher Whitney Threewits suggests that providing ongoing professional development opportunities is a key way to help special education teachers feel appreciated and equipped for success. Providing those training opportunities for the paraprofessionals working with teachers is also a tangible way to support special education departments.
Encouraging open communication between parents and special education teachers helps strengthen the connection and sets the foundation for long-term success. Understanding how administrators, principals, teachers and support staff can work together with parents and students helps improve outcomes.
Developing adequate budgets, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, and supervising the overall operation of the special education department are key responsibilities of those in charge. Securing funding for resources and special needs programs is crucial. Monitoring success and assessing the effectiveness of all aspects of special education helps teachers provide the best possible support to their unique students.
The Council for Exceptional Children points out that special education teachers’ emotional and psychological needs can be significant. Stress experienced by special education teachers can contribute to burnout. Providing access to counseling services, stress management workshops and peer support groups can help alleviate stress and boost morale. Helping ensure that special education teachers have a manageable workload also limits stressors. Providing resources and support staff to special education teachers makes their caseloads reasonable.
Collaboration Between Special Education Teachers and Administrators
In discussing the role of a principal or administrator, Hughes (2023) writes that principals are responsible for fostering collaboration among staff, engaging with families and advocating for student needs. This involves more than just administrative or academic tasks. Promoting inclusivity and cultivating a school culture that values diversity is also the responsibility of those in leadership roles. Encouraging collaboration between special and general education teachers benefits all students.
To best help foster collaboration, administrators should remember that special education teachers also have special needs that general teachers do not. Teach Love Autism encourages special education teachers to invite administrators into their classrooms and share caseload details with them. Administrators can best support their efforts if they are fully informed and aware of teachers’ needs. Clear and open communication is a major factor in effective collaboration.
Celebrating the wins and successes can help focus on the positive aspects of special education. When administrators publicly acknowledge the efforts of their special education teachers, everyone benefits. Similarly, building a positive, inclusive and respectful school climate helps all staff feel valued and creates a sense of belonging for staff and students.
Becoming an Effective School Leader With an M.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership
Dynamic school and district leaders can influence students, teachers, staff, parents and the community they serve. Gaining the skills and knowledge to effectively manage school law and finance, personnel, administration, diverse populations and community relations prepares students for roles such as principal, director of special education, superintendent of schools and more.
St. Cloud State University offers a fully online program for working professionals who want to earn an M.S. in educational administration and leadership. With courses focused on topics such as diversity leadership, school-community relations and administrative leadership, students learn to navigate and respond to the influence of diversity, equity and inclusion on individuals and systems.
Learn more about St. Cloud State University’s online M.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership program.
