The article gives examples of legal and ethical dilemmas facing special educators, identifies the different dilemmas of teachers and administrators, and gives suggestions for solving these dilemmas. (DB)

Excerpts from an interview with William C. Morse on teacher burnout concern special educators' sense of failure and impotence, the issues connected with individualized educational programs, and the importance of the first year of teaching. (CL)

Communication between the teacher and paraprofessional who implement the handicapped child's individualized education program can be enhanced through preacademic year planning (of classroom arrangement and the assignment of responsibilities, the holding of regularly scheduled meetings, on the spot communication, and written communication (such as…

Three teachers are portrayed: a vocational teacher in a work experience program for disadvantaged high schoolers, a physical education teacher who teaches swimming to developmentally disabled students, and an education professor who assumed a teaching position in a mainstreamed class. (CL)

The author suggests four types of skills required by the headteacher in the special school and discusses these skills as they relate to inservice teacher education programs. (SBH)

Addresses the role of the Teacher Education Division (TED) of The Council for Exceptional Children in establishing teacher education as a profession. It is pointed out that TED must limit membership to professionals who possess the minimum training and experience to earn such status, develop precise terminology that will enhance communication, and…

This joint statement of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) presents standards for preparation of teachers of the deaf. The standards address eight categories of knowledge and skills, such as learner characteristics; assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation; and instructional content and practice.…

Reflects on previous articles in the same journal that address the preparation of special education teachers. The need for preparation programs to clearly identify necessary expertise and evaluate its acquisition with rigor is discussed, along with the need to prepare professionals to function in the community beyond the classroom. (CR)

This paper examines the student placement decision-making process since the 1950s noting trends. The process is seen to include accumulating relevant data, analysis of data, and exploration of possible placement options. Creative and appropriate programing is emphasized. The role of the teacher of visually handicapped students is clarified.…

The excerpts from a speech to special educators suggest coping strategies for teachers: (1) adopt a consultative attitude; (2) develop the intellectual side of your professional identity; and (3) know your limits as a professional. (DB)

Reviews terms for "educateur" used in various countries; lists settings and duties performed. Describes evolution of the profession to satisfy different perceptions and needs in different countries. Addresses professional preparation and new teaching approaches and settings. Author perceives future educateur role as mediator/mentor…

Rehabilitation teachers who work with students having visual impairments are urged to act more affirmatively on behalf of their profession: (1) by organizing archives; (2) by developing a written history; (3) by promoting rehabilitation teaching; and (4) by promoting professionalism and quality. (DB)

This interview with Brenda Jean Robbins, a Florida music therapist and teacher selected as 1995 Teacher of the Year by the Council for Exceptional Children, reveals her views about music therapy, goals, relationship of music therapy to the special education classroom, musical performance, and getting parents involved. (DB)

This interview with Muriel Drew Saunders, the 1991 recipient of the Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award, explores Saunders' work with students with severe/multiple disabilities, changes in special education since the 1960s, her research on reward systems and chronic aberrant behavior, and her advice to new special education teachers. (JDD)

This article explores the role of personal attributes and characteristics in the development of effective teachers, and examines which attributes contribute to teacher effectiveness as measured by student gains, which attributes contribute specifically to the teaching style of an effective special education teacher, and whether these attributes…