[colmdubh]

I am currently thinking of teaching special education, (I'm already certified). My problem: Many teachers of special edu. types seem to be those 'bleeding hearts' so to speak who are focused more on the poor little handicapped children, in otherwords their feelings motivate their teaching desire. In fact many teachers in all fields seem to feel that way...Anyways, I am certainly interested in the well-being of the students but more fascinated by the disorders they have and the best methods to help them achieve their greatest potential. To some, this may seem cold. Listed as my main reason for wanting to teach special edu. students I feel I will be shown the door each time. I'm trying to be true to the way I feel about helping the students but afraid my paticular view will not be understood by most I interview with.
Also, currently my contract at a school is not being renewed because my teaching method did not conform to the status quo...i.e. I was actually failing students who were not being responsible.
I plan to get into a more researched based facet of education where my viewpoints may be shared but that will take several years to complete a master's degree...any thoughts would be appreciated

[ElstonGunn]

You could focus the practical benefits you'd bring to the kids. That thing about helping them reach their potential sounds pretty suitable to me, but I'm not the guy who's hiring you.

Or you could just pretend to be a feeler. If that idea sounds like lying to you, just call it "simulating surface conformity in order to satisfy a trivial and essentially unimportant requirement."

[colmdubh]

Ha! Your technical verbiage astounds me

[Jenny Penny]

I think your reasons for wanting the job are valid. Don't hide this. Excitement and passion are very important qualities to bring to the table, especially in a job interview. You could fake a more F perspective, but probalby won't be viewed as passionate since what you would be saying were not genuine.

I hate interviews anyway. I think most of it depends on if you have a rapport with the interviewer. The rest should fall into place.

[Katie]

Helping them get organized in way-simpler ways than general ed students goes a really long way, and your unique influence - especially with providing continually improved methods for assistance - can earn you a top spot if you'll work within the existing structures / norms.

The fact is they already have all cards stacked against even gaining a certificate of completion, let alone a diploma and, in that regard, the goofing off needs to be addressed on another plane. They do so because they're so frustrated in their struggle. I knew one who'd give up / give a teacher hell if that teacher fit either the "Mr Gestapo" or "Sesame Street" extreme
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[Bluestocking]

Emphasize your desire to help the children achieve their full potential, while not making it seem as though your interest in their disorders is too scientific. You're a qualified professional who has something to offer these children, but it's also true that special ed. types are usually bleeding hearts. If you want the job, play it up a little bit to fit in.

[Theodoric]

Don't interview for a 'feeling' job or lie about your personality.
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But all kidding aside, don't bother with the public school system, go for private schools. In the public school system they are only interested in numbers (don't want to lose that government funding!) and avoiding the potential fallout from an irate, irresponsible parent when you hurt someone's feelings by giving them the grade that they earned. At least in the private schools you will be confronted by people that are more interested in results. The public sector is filled with 'bleeding hearts' that have a lot of good plans, they just fail to either implement them properly. Why do you think the public sector still can't address poverty in industrialized countries, yet the private sector has been able to set up complex and efficient distribution methods for the most mundane of things?

I am however fascinated by your approach and ideas. I think your different approach to this issue may actually do a lot of social good and help many, rather than the current system that only coddles and has no expectations of people. I would love to hear your theories on education, perhaps in another thread.