Professional development in inclusive education plays a crucial role in equipping educators with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively teach in diverse classrooms. Here are several types of professional development opportunities in inclusive education:
Workshops and seminars, often held by educational institutions or professional organisations, provide educators with up-to-date information on inclusive practices, recent research, and legislation. These gatherings also offer opportunities for networking and learning from other professionals in the field.
Many universities and colleges offer courses or certification programs in inclusive or special education. These courses can provide a more in-depth understanding of specific disabilities, assessment strategies, and instructional techniques.
Numerous online learning platforms offer courses on inclusive education. This provides flexibility. Topics can range from understanding specific disabilities to implementing Universal Design for Learning.
On-the-job training, such as coaching or mentoring programs, provides educators with practical, hands-on experience in inclusive classrooms. This type of training can provide valuable insights and immediate feedback, helping educators to continually refine their teaching strategies.
These events bring together educators, researchers, and experts in the field of inclusive education to share their experiences, present new research, and discuss challenges and solutions.
Engaging in research can help educators stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in inclusive education. This might involve conducting their own research projects, collaborating with universities, or simply keeping up with current literature.
Continuous Professional Development is vital for several reasons in Inclusive Education:
Skill Enhancement
Professional development equips educators with the skills to cater to a diverse range of student needs. This includes adapting teaching methods, creating inclusive learning environments, and differentiating instruction.
Knowledge Update
Inclusive education is a dynamic field, with new research, technologies, and strategies continually emerging. Professional development helps educators stay updated and integrate these advancements into their practice.
Boosting Confidence
When educators are prepared and knowledgeable, they feel more confident. This confidence can lead to more successful and inclusive classrooms.
Improved Student Outcomes
Professional development in inclusive education leads to improved outcomes for all students. When educators are well-prepared to handle diverse classrooms, all students benefit from a more equitable and effective learning environment.
Professional development in inclusive education serves as the cornerstone for enhancing educational experiences for all students.
It empowers educators with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to create classrooms that are truly inclusive and responsive to a diverse range of learning needs.
By investing in ongoing professional development, educators can stay informed about the latest research, methodologies, and tools in the field, enabling them to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of inclusive education.
Ultimately, these ongoing learning opportunities do not just benefit educators—they are pivotal to fostering an educational environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and sets every student up for success.
Inclusive education is, after all, not just about inclusion in the classroom, but also about inclusion in life, nurturing a society that values every individual's unique potential.
Anna Dunlevy White worked as a financial underwriter before changing her career to become a Montessori teacher and an SNA.
She has been working as a teaching assistant in a mainstream school for almost seven years now and is currently studying for her BA (Ord) in Inclusive Education Practice at Portobello Institute.
“My role is constantly evolving so in order to best support the individual needs of the children I work with I decided to challenge myself, for my own personal development, to become a better practitioner and pursue my goal of becoming a special education teacher.
“I have seen how the traditional academic approach to education in Ireland has not evolved quickly enough to fully and inclusively support SEN students, so I want to develop and broaden my skillset in order to become a better educator and advocate more effectively for the children in my care,” she said.
When the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to Enda Bracken’s studies to become an Emergency Medical Technician he turned to special needs assisting and is now enrolled on Portobello Institute’s BA (Ord) in Inclusive Education Practice.
“I completed my leaving certificate in June 2019. During the pandemic, I started an SNA course and I started subbing in a primary school ASD unit straight away as I could not return to work with the pandemic.
“This experience changed my mind completely, and I decided I would follow the career path to become a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher.
“As I did not have the qualifications to be an SEN teacher, I began my search for the right course for me. Having looked at many different courses, I found that the Inclusive Education Practice course with Portobello was the course for me.
“I spent months looking at different courses to find one that suits my already busy schedule. Studying in a blended learning course, I believe was the best choice, as it allows me to continue to work helping pay for my expenses and fees.
“I currently work as an SNA which means while studying to become an SEN teacher, I will be gaining invaluable experience right up until I qualify,” he said.
As we continue to strive for a more equitable society, understanding and implementing the principles of inclusive education is a vital step forward.
To find out more, read our longer deep-dive Discover Inclusive Education as a Fulfilling and Diverse Career Path.
If you are inspired to make a meaningful impact, transform the educational landscape, and champion a more inclusive future, a career in inclusive education awaits.
Portobello Institute offers a clear pathway to a successful career in inclusive education starting with a level 5 and level 6 Special Needs Assisting qualification you can progress to a BA (Ord) in Inclusive Education Practice, BA (Hons) in Inclusive Education Practice and an MA in Inclusive Education and SEN.
This path is unquestionably fulfilling, continually reminding you of the difference you're making in creating a more inclusive world, one student at a time.
If you are interested in any of our special needs assisting or inclusive education degrees you can book a consultation call with our expert advisor, Sarah Coyne, email sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0028.
If you are interested in the MA in Inclusive Education and SEN specifically, you can speak with our expert advisor, Jennifer Matteazzi, email jennifer.matteazzi@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0031.
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