In two previous articles we have discussed how the stimulus funds have been used by the Division for Exceptional Learning in Liberty County. Today we present a third initiative funded by these ARRA money: The hiring of a fourth pre-school special-education teacher to create a new co-teaching classroom at the preschool level.
Co-teaching is frequently seen in the K-12 classrooms throughout Georgia and the nation. In the past few years, this model has been used in pre-school classrooms as well.
Thanks to new funding, we were able this school year to add an additional pre-school special-education teacher with the goal to have a co-teaching classroom.
Bright from the Start (the state preschool governing agency) has allowed Liberty County schools to place a special-education teacher with the general-education pre-school teacher and an aide in a classroom of fewer than the required 20 students.
The special-education teacher received the same training that is provided to the general-education preschool teachers, in addition to co-teaching training. Our co-teaching instructional coach works with this pair of co-teachers, just as she does with pairs found in K-12.
The intent for this initiative is to prepare our youngest learners to interact and learn with their non-disabled peers and be prepared for the type of learning environment they will enjoy when they move into elementary school. Having two teachers and an aide in a classroom also provides ample opportunity for all of the students in the class to receive more individualized instruction daily.
Beth Burril was chosen by her principal, Dr. Shelby Bush, to be the special -education co-teacher this year. Burril has taught students with disabilities at the Liberty County Pre-K for the past five years. She has her master’s degree and previously was selected as the center’s teacher of the year.
School notes is an opinion piece written by staff members of the Liberty County School System covering areas of their expertise. Kelly is director of the Division for Exceptional Learning
Co-teaching is frequently seen in the K-12 classrooms throughout Georgia and the nation. In the past few years, this model has been used in pre-school classrooms as well.
Thanks to new funding, we were able this school year to add an additional pre-school special-education teacher with the goal to have a co-teaching classroom.
Bright from the Start (the state preschool governing agency) has allowed Liberty County schools to place a special-education teacher with the general-education pre-school teacher and an aide in a classroom of fewer than the required 20 students.
The special-education teacher received the same training that is provided to the general-education preschool teachers, in addition to co-teaching training. Our co-teaching instructional coach works with this pair of co-teachers, just as she does with pairs found in K-12.
The intent for this initiative is to prepare our youngest learners to interact and learn with their non-disabled peers and be prepared for the type of learning environment they will enjoy when they move into elementary school. Having two teachers and an aide in a classroom also provides ample opportunity for all of the students in the class to receive more individualized instruction daily.
Beth Burril was chosen by her principal, Dr. Shelby Bush, to be the special -education co-teacher this year. Burril has taught students with disabilities at the Liberty County Pre-K for the past five years. She has her master’s degree and previously was selected as the center’s teacher of the year.
School notes is an opinion piece written by staff members of the Liberty County School System covering areas of their expertise. Kelly is director of the Division for Exceptional Learning