In an effort to document the responsibilities and professional activities of itinerant early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers, five teachers were asked to participate in an observational study in which they were observed and their behaviors coded. Observations occurred at three different times during the year, during three-week cycles.…

The role of the itinerant teacher in working with students with hearing impairments is described. Practical guidelines are offered for coping with professional challenges, scheduling time with students, working harmoniously with general education teachers, organizing materials and space, and dealing with the requirements of travel among schools.…

Professional role performance difficulties experienced by 23 first year itinerant specialists in the field of special education were studied in Illinois public schools (excluding Chicago). An itinerant specialist is a teacher with specialized training in a particular disability who provides services to students on a homebound basis, in a hospital…

The imaginative use of new resources, new special education teaching roles and new technology all contribute to making public school both socially and economically feasible for blind children. (Editor)

Outlines the needs of the visually handicapped student and the responsibility of the provincial departments and local school districts in providing those needs. Discusses the role of the itinerant teacher and the kind of knowledge teachers must be taught in schools of education in order to mainstream the visually handicapped student. (RK)

This brief article outlines theories for the decrease in braille literacy among children with visual impairments. It stresses the need for braille instruction, the inability of itinerant teachers to adequately instruct many scattered visually impaired students, and resistance to using simplified Grade 1 braille. Special problems raised by…

The author recounts his experience as a Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Special Education at National Changhua University of Education (NCUE) in Changhua, Taiwan, during the fall of 2003. Several aspects of his experience are highlighted, including teaching foreign college students, learning Mandarin, conducting workshops, and consulting…

Analysis of 72 questionnaires completed by California itinerant special educators serving students with visual impairments found that most respondents reported they had too many students on their caseloads, served students who could be better served in other placements, and had insufficient time in the school day. Caseload maximums of 8 to 12…

A survey of 60 teachers of students with visual impairments in Illinois evaluated student use of assistive technology. Findings indicated that only 40 percent of students requiring alternative reading media used assistive technology and that students served by itinerant teachers were less likely to use or receive assistive technology training than…

The use of mobile telephones by 25 itinerant teachers in Texas was evaluated. Factors considered included time management, costs, changes in use of various types of telephones, and feelings of security. With one outgoing call per day, teachers saved enough time to accumulate the equivalent of one week's service each year to their students.…

A survey of 229 itinerant early childhood special education teachers found they mostly used direct service strategies. Teachers reported infrequent implementation of indirect services such as modeling intervention techniques and writing intervention plans for teachers or parents. Teachers reported being satisfied with their jobs and being welcomed…

Rural school districts often have limited numbers of special educators available, limited financial resources, and schools with very small, isolated populations. These limitations reveal the need for regular educators in the schools to gain skills needed for diagnosis and remediation of mildly handicapped students. This paper suggests utilizing…

This article discusses the itinerant model and suggests ways that itinerant teachers might apply best practices in pre-academic instruction to their work within community settings, including: making environmental adaptations to maximize engagement; improving the social environment; and applying naturalistic strategies to embed specifically…

A national survey of teachers of the hearing impaired (n=313) in either nonintegrated classes in residential schools and day programs, or in integrated settings in regular public schools, or in itinerant programs examined perceptions of the competencies most critical to their job. Similarities and differences in teacher competencies across service…