In education, teacher leaders play a multifaceted role, championing the needs of students and communities, leading associations and unions and spearheading various initiatives to improve teaching and learning. Central to their responsibilities is the crucial task of working collaboratively with families of students with disabilities. The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) – Teacher as Leader in Moderate & Severe Disabilities (MSD) online program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) equips educators with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this aspect, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong relationships with families.
What Is a Teacher Leader?
Teacher leaders are educators who go beyond traditional roles to lead, inspire and advocate for positive change within their schools and communities. According to the National Education Association (NEA), they champion students’ needs, lead associations and unions, conduct research, facilitate projects and more. Teacher leaders possess a deep understanding of pedagogy, curriculum development, instructional strategies and strong communication and leadership skills.
Working With Families of Students With Disabilities
In special education, fostering collaborative partnerships with families is paramount to student success. Families often struggle with knowing how to best support their children with disabilities at home. Teacher leaders can play a pivotal role in empowering families by sharing effective instructional strategies and providing support and guidance. According to Brookes Publishing, special education teachers can empower family members and caregivers by sharing effective and efficient instructional strategies.
Why Leader-Family Relationships Are Important
Strong leader-family relationships are essential for ensuring the holistic development and well-being of students with disabilities. Research has shown that family involvement positively impacts student outcomes including academic achievement, social-emotional development and overall school success. When teacher leaders collaborate closely with families, leaders gain valuable insights into each student’s unique needs and strengths, allowing them to tailor instruction and support accordingly.
Teacher leaders can employ various strategies to collaborate effectively with families of students with disabilities. These may include:
- Establishing open and ongoing communication channels: Regular meetings, emails or phone calls keep families informed and engaged.
- Providing resources and information: It is crucial to educate families about their child’s disability, educational rights and available support services.
- Soliciting family input: Incorporating families’ insights into individualized education plans (IEPs) ensures that the child’s goals, preferences and learning styles are considered.
- Offering parent workshops: Training sessions on topics like behavior management, assistive technology or accessing community resources empower families.
- Partnering with community organizations: Collaborating with support groups and advocacy agencies provides additional support and resources for families.
- Cultivating a culture of inclusivity: Creating an environment where families feel welcomed, respected and valued as partners in their child’s education journey is essential.
Achieving Success Through Northern Kentucky University’s Program
NKU’s online M.A.Ed. – Teacher as Leader in MSD program prepares educators to excel in working with families of students with disabilities. Through courses like Working with Families of Students with Disabilities, graduates gain practical skills and strategies for building strong relationships with families, advocating for inclusive practices and promoting positive student outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication, Northern Kentucky University’s program equips teacher leaders with the tools they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.
What Makes a Good Teacher Leader?
According to the NEA, several key attributes characterize a good teacher leader.
- Empathy and understanding: ability to personally connect with students, parents and colleagues
- Strong communication skills: essential for effectively articulating ideas, instructions and feedback
- Commitment to continuous improvement: dedication to ongoing professional development and staying updated with educational trends
- Collaborative spirit: willingness to work with others and build strong team dynamics
- Vision and innovation: ability to inspire others with a clear vision for improvement and the creativity to implement innovative solutions
In conclusion, teacher leaders play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities, and fostering strong relationships with families is essential for student success. By working collaboratively with families, teacher leaders can create a supportive and inclusive educational environment where all students thrive. Through NKU’s online M.A.Ed. – Teacher as Leader in MSD program, educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this aspect of their role, positively impacting the lives of students and families alike.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader in Moderate & Severe Disabilities program.
