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A shadow teacher is a certified professional that is assigned to foster and keep a track of the progress of a specific student with special needs in a regular classroom. The Shadow teacher accompanies the child in a normal classroom setup helping to bridge in the academic gap that arises due to the diverse learning needs of the child.
The Duties of a Shadow Teacher are providing the child with the desired emotional, academic and physical support that enables them to function independently in a mainstream classroom after a certain period of time. The Shadow teacher is an important link between the parents, teachers, therapists, psychologists who are working closely on the overall development to of the child.
Creating a happy welcoming learning environment where children with special needs feel welcomed and gel easily into the classroom is the main prerogative of the Shadow teacher.
Along with the academic progress of the child the Shadow teacher also is responsible for the social and emotional development of the child enabling them to form meaningful partnerships in a regular classroom setup.
For more details on the STT Course Call/Whatsapp at +919321024137 / +919869866277
To download the brochure of the STT Course, Click Here!
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What are Skills required by Shadow Teacher?
To fulfill the duties of a shadow teacher effectively, a range of skills is essential to support children with special needs in mainstream classrooms. These Skills help Shadow Teachers address diverse learning needs, foster social integration, and promote a positive learning environment.
Key skills required by shadow teachers include:
Patience
Working with children who may need extra time or different approaches to learn requires a high level of patience. Shadow teachers need to stay calm and provide consistent encouragement.
Empathy
Understanding the emotional and educational challenges faced by students with special needs permits shadow teachers to respond thoughtfully, making a trusting and supportive atmosphere.
Communication
Clear communication with children’s, teachers, and parents is essential. A shadow teacher must explain concepts simply and provide updates on the student’s progress and any challenges.
Revamping the strategies
As each child learns differently the same teaching strategy cannot be implemented for all children. Shadow teacher should always have a backup plan ready in case a certain plan does not yield the desired learning outcome. Revamping the teaching strategy can help the child to achieve his learning goals thereby enhancing the overall learning experience for all.
Observational Skills
Recognizing when a student struggles with specific tasks, behaviors, or social interactions is key. Observational skills enable shadow teachers to address these challenges proactively.
Team Collaboration
Collaboration with lead teachers, school staff, and parents is necessary to build a supportive environment. Working as a team enhances the effectiveness of the shadow teacher’s role.
Resourcefulness
Shadow teachers often face unique challenges and must creatively find solutions that can make learning enjoyable and effective.
Knowledge of Special Education
Familiarity with special education principles ensures that shadow teachers can apply effective methods and tools to meet the student’s needs.
Conduct and Behavior Control Management
As children with special needs may display erratic behavior pattern the Shadow teacher must have command in effective behavioral management techniques to create a systematic disciplined learning atmosphere
Being a Shadow Teacher is a highly challenging job but the above skills help the shadow teacher to discharge their duties diligently making learning a joyous process for all children. Creating a supporting learning atmosphere where children understand the challenges of each other and support each other to grow and thrive naturally is a key role of the Shadow teacher.
For more details on the STT Course Call/Whatsapp at +919321024137 / +919869866277
To download the brochure of the STT Course, Click Here!
Source: alamy
What are the Qualification for Shadow Teacher Job?
A shadow teacher plays a vital role in assisting children with diverse learning needs, ensuring they thrive academically and socially within a classroom. The position requires specialized qualifications, skills, and training, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about inclusive education. Here, we outline the qualifications essential for securing a shadow teacher job, along with the curriculum offered by Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.) to prepare aspirants for this impactful career.
For those aspiring to excel in a Duties of a Shadow Teacher, Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.) offers a specialized Shadow Teacher Training course. This course covers key areas to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.
The syllabus includes:
The ABCs of Learning difficulties and developmental disorders
This module introduces the basics of developmental disorders and learning difficulties such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia so that educators understand the diverse needs of the child be it academic, socio-emotional, and physical.
Diagnosing, Reviewing and Interventions
This section teaches educators the different symptoms based on which the disorder is diagnosed. Once the disorder is diagnosed introducing the desired interventions to help the child and then reviewing the progress of the child if the learning goals are met or not.
Technological Visual Aids
Educators are taught how to design their lessons based on interactive software technology such as various interesting apps where learning is made interesting that hold on to the attention span of the child ensuring enhanced learning outcomes.
Inclusive Education, Skill Development, and Provisions for Children with Disabilities
A focus on fostering inclusivity in the classroom, helping trainees learn how to integrate children with special needs into mainstream settings while encouraging skill development.
Core Responsibilities of a Shadow Teacher
The duties of a shadow teacher are diverse and focused on enabling children to integrate seamlessly into mainstream classrooms.
Key responsibilities include:
Facilitating Social Integration
Encouraging positive interactions between the kid and peers to make social skills and promote inclusion.
Adapting Lesson Plans
Adapting teaching materials and methods to fit the kid’s unique learning needs, making sure the lessons are accessible and achievable.
Monitoring Progress
Tracking the kid’s educational and social development, collaborating with the primary teacher to update learning strategies as required.
Promoting Independence
Supporting the kid in participating actively in classroom activities to nurture self-confidence and independence over time.
Career Opportunities after Shadow Teacher Training
Upon completing the Shadow Teacher Training Course, professionals can explore a variety of rewarding career paths.
Candidates are qualified to pursue roles such as:
Shadow Educator or Para-educator in Classrooms
Be with the children physically in their main classroom and support them till they can function independently alongside their peers.
Resource Room Teacher
Work in the resource room offering the children with the precise strategies helping them to understand concepts better.
Assistant Special Educator
Work alongside the Special Educators assisting them in their day-to-day schedule and keep a track of the child’s progress.
Inclusive Educational Consultant
As a consultant offer the desired support to the parents who might not have the real idea of how to help the child progress better .
Inclusion Education Specialist
Work to regulate the various inclusive practices that have been initiated by the school and review its progress.
Embarking on the path of being a Shadow teacher requires a lot of dedication and a keen desire to uplift the overall educational quotient of children with special needs. It needs thorough understanding of the various aspects of the learning disorder that the child is facing and the specific strategy treatment for helping the child overcome the challenges associated with it.
Join Vidhyanidhi Education Society’s STT Course today and Empower Every Child to Thrive in Learning!
For more details on the STT Course Call/Whatsapp at +919321024137 / +919869866277
To download the brochure of the STT Course, Click Here!
FAQs
What is an Example of Shadow Teaching?
When a teacher gives instructions, a student with special needs may struggle to process them. The shadow teacher assists by simplifying the instructions to the student’s level.
How to become a Shadow Teacher?
To become a shadow teacher, pursue a relevant degree and complete specialized training, like the Shadow Teacher Training offered by Vidhyanidhi Education Society.
