Depending on a child's disability and the school setting, special education teachers need to work with speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, school social workers, general education teachers, and community workers to plan and implement the best education strategies for each child. Not only do they teach their students when they are in the classroom, but they also keep up with them throughout the day, wherever they may be. To do all of this effectively, special education teachers need to maintain positive relationships with the principal, other teachers, and other personnel. Parents are also an important part of the team. They are the experts on their child.
Special educators can act as a liaison between community agencies or organizations and their school.
For example, a teacher may need to work with the local Juvenile Probation Agency with regard to a student. This could involve being the contact in the school for the probation officer who will check on the student's progress and attendance. The teacher can also advise the probation officer of any meetings with the student and coordinate any necessary activities. As another example, a teacher may work with the local independent living agency and the vocational rehabilitation agency to help set up a transition plan for a student getting ready to graduate from school. All of this collaboration, consultation, and working together requires time, something too many special educators don't have.