Re: should teachers be required to have autism training?

[Guest guest]

Debi, if the teachers are going to work with kids with

autism, they definetely need training in autism. My

daughter has gone through 3 schools. All the teachers

are sweet, nice etc...but that can only take you so

far. She has regressed so much in her academics

because they do not know how to teach her. Her

behavior has become so bad because they reinforce her

for all the wrong behavior.

jane

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.

http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Guest guest]

Debi, if the teachers are going to work with kids with

autism, they definetely need training in autism. My

daughter has gone through 3 schools. All the teachers

are sweet, nice etc...but that can only take you so

far. She has regressed so much in her academics

because they do not know how to teach her. Her

behavior has become so bad because they reinforce her

for all the wrong behavior.

jane

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.

http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Guest guest]

Hi Debi:

I got my degree in elementary ed in '85. I am 45 years old this year. We had

one class that covered autism and we saw a film of a man put in a rubber room

that was autistic? I think now they should learn more about autism because

there are more and more children with disabilities being integrated. Darby's

aide is in education this year and is finishing her degree. Her brother has

autism and she said she did not learn enough in her ed classes regarding people

with disabilies or autism... It is probably the same for the states... Autism

is on the rise so teachers should know more.

Teachers are over worked and underpaid but the teachers who care would welcome

the basic knowledge and philosophy and then learn more if they want. This is an

important part of being a teacher... Wanting to learn more....Knowledge is

power.

Sorry about spelling, grammar etc didn't sleep much last night....

Hope this helps.... Great issue... , Darby's aide would be excited to

hear someone is taking this one on..

Debi wrote:

I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administration not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

Hi Debi:

I got my degree in elementary ed in '85. I am 45 years old this year. We had

one class that covered autism and we saw a film of a man put in a rubber room

that was autistic? I think now they should learn more about autism because

there are more and more children with disabilities being integrated. Darby's

aide is in education this year and is finishing her degree. Her brother has

autism and she said she did not learn enough in her ed classes regarding people

with disabilies or autism... It is probably the same for the states... Autism

is on the rise so teachers should know more.

Teachers are over worked and underpaid but the teachers who care would welcome

the basic knowledge and philosophy and then learn more if they want. This is an

important part of being a teacher... Wanting to learn more....Knowledge is

power.

Sorry about spelling, grammar etc didn't sleep much last night....

Hope this helps.... Great issue... , Darby's aide would be excited to

hear someone is taking this one on..

Debi wrote:

I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administration not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

My experience: The more " autism trained " a teacher is, (applies to all

of us, really) the less likely they are to believe a child on the

spectrum can perspective take, develop " theory of mind " , think for

themselves, shift attention for themselves, gather their own information

without prompting (I'm talking non-verbal info gathering in the moment),

and the more likely they are to compensate in those areas. Whe I see

teachers and school staff doing that, I call that " treating students

like they're autistic " , and my observations is that treating them like

they're autistic tends to create and reinforce deficits in perspective

taking and " theory of mind " , a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Our experience with gen ed teachers who know little about autism is that

they expect more of the child, raise the bar a little higher, slow down

and allow the child to do a lot more communicating (sending AND

RECEIVING) for themselves, just more natural with them, overall, and,

in a way that doesn't play into stereotypes. Talking to gen ed staff

about a perspective of Relationship Development Intervention has been

more productive, because they have no " autism training " to overcome.

Penny

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

My experience: The more " autism trained " a teacher is, (applies to all

of us, really) the less likely they are to believe a child on the

spectrum can perspective take, develop " theory of mind " , think for

themselves, shift attention for themselves, gather their own information

without prompting (I'm talking non-verbal info gathering in the moment),

and the more likely they are to compensate in those areas. Whe I see

teachers and school staff doing that, I call that " treating students

like they're autistic " , and my observations is that treating them like

they're autistic tends to create and reinforce deficits in perspective

taking and " theory of mind " , a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Our experience with gen ed teachers who know little about autism is that

they expect more of the child, raise the bar a little higher, slow down

and allow the child to do a lot more communicating (sending AND

RECEIVING) for themselves, just more natural with them, overall, and,

in a way that doesn't play into stereotypes. Talking to gen ed staff

about a perspective of Relationship Development Intervention has been

more productive, because they have no " autism training " to overcome.

Penny

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

Debi, I gather that you were meaning that " regular " education

teachers should be trained, right? Well, I want to put my 2 cents in

about the CDC (regular) teachers. had one at a middle school

when we first came to this town and we knew the lady was not trained

and we told the IEP team that this would not work, they didnt care.

Within 2 months, had 2 aggressive behaviors towards both the

teacher/aide (not trained) and sent them to the doctor/hospital.

Saying all that, I mean...it isnt just " regular " education teachers

that need the training!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shanna ('s mom)

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the

local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to

have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told

her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid

~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more

requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is

really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

Debi, I gather that you were meaning that " regular " education

teachers should be trained, right? Well, I want to put my 2 cents in

about the CDC (regular) teachers. had one at a middle school

when we first came to this town and we knew the lady was not trained

and we told the IEP team that this would not work, they didnt care.

Within 2 months, had 2 aggressive behaviors towards both the

teacher/aide (not trained) and sent them to the doctor/hospital.

Saying all that, I mean...it isnt just " regular " education teachers

that need the training!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shanna ('s mom)

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the

local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to

have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told

her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid

~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more

requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is

really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

I guess I thought the training would show multi disciplinary approaches that

parents are using with their individual child with autism and that the professor

would teach both sides sort or speak. May be a bit naive way of thinking ....

The parents are the experts and should help dictate what they believe about

their child and how their child should be taught. So that home and school are

working together.

Many parents are choosing aba style programs. We have had Darby in aba since

she was 2 years old. In retrospect I am not sure it was the perfect program for

her and was glad they did not do too much aba at school.

I always thought Darby knew more than she was able to communicate but this

did not always translate to the teachers or the aba consultants or even myself

and family. If something like this was taught in university than I would think

it would be beneficial...

The fact that all people with disabilities and autism have language and thought

to quote Baggs from her CNN video. Maybe Autism should be taught with

all the controversy etc in university pshyc classes?

penelope_fam wrote:

My experience: The more " autism trained " a teacher is, (applies to all

of us, really) the less likely they are to believe a child on the

spectrum can perspective take, develop " theory of mind " , think for

themselves, shift attention for themselves, gather their own information

without prompting (I'm talking non-verbal info gathering in the moment),

and the more likely they are to compensate in those areas. Whe I see

teachers and school staff doing that, I call that " treating students

like they're autistic " , and my observations is that treating them like

they're autistic tends to create and reinforce deficits in perspective

taking and " theory of mind " , a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Our experience with gen ed teachers who know little about autism is that

they expect more of the child, raise the bar a little higher, slow down

and allow the child to do a lot more communicating (sending AND

RECEIVING) for themselves, just more natural with them, overall, and,

in a way that doesn't play into stereotypes. Talking to gen ed staff

about a perspective of Relationship Development Intervention has been

more productive, because they have no " autism training " to overcome.

Penny

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

[Guest guest]

I guess I thought the training would show multi disciplinary approaches that

parents are using with their individual child with autism and that the professor

would teach both sides sort or speak. May be a bit naive way of thinking ....

The parents are the experts and should help dictate what they believe about

their child and how their child should be taught. So that home and school are

working together.

Many parents are choosing aba style programs. We have had Darby in aba since

she was 2 years old. In retrospect I am not sure it was the perfect program for

her and was glad they did not do too much aba at school.

I always thought Darby knew more than she was able to communicate but this

did not always translate to the teachers or the aba consultants or even myself

and family. If something like this was taught in university than I would think

it would be beneficial...

The fact that all people with disabilities and autism have language and thought

to quote Baggs from her CNN video. Maybe Autism should be taught with

all the controversy etc in university pshyc classes?

penelope_fam wrote:

My experience: The more " autism trained " a teacher is, (applies to all

of us, really) the less likely they are to believe a child on the

spectrum can perspective take, develop " theory of mind " , think for

themselves, shift attention for themselves, gather their own information

without prompting (I'm talking non-verbal info gathering in the moment),

and the more likely they are to compensate in those areas. Whe I see

teachers and school staff doing that, I call that " treating students

like they're autistic " , and my observations is that treating them like

they're autistic tends to create and reinforce deficits in perspective

taking and " theory of mind " , a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Our experience with gen ed teachers who know little about autism is that

they expect more of the child, raise the bar a little higher, slow down

and allow the child to do a lot more communicating (sending AND

RECEIVING) for themselves, just more natural with them, overall, and,

in a way that doesn't play into stereotypes. Talking to gen ed staff

about a perspective of Relationship Development Intervention has been

more productive, because they have no " autism training " to overcome.

Penny

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

[Guest guest]

, in our state, one can look at the curriculum for teachers

pursuing an " autism endorsement " , and the big part of the curriculum is

focused on behavior management. *sigh*

>

> I guess I thought the training would show multi disciplinary

approaches that parents are using with their individual child with

autism and that the professor would teach both sides sort or speak. May

be a bit naive way of thinking ....

[Guest guest]

All of evvie's teachers were kind, caring people, but that being said, kind and

caring does not teach you what you need to know about dealing with autistic

children. Her first grade teacher, for example, suggested evvie was just

testing the limits at one point, and could not comprehend that scheming was

beyond her capabilities. Abstract concepts are not frequently the strong suit

of autistics. Before anyone thinks I don't understand the pressures of

teaching, although I never taught autistic students, I did spend several years

teaching and doing course development at a technical college. I know the work

is time consuming, but my observations of our elementary schools seems to be

they are aiming for containment rather than teaching their autistic children.

Debi wrote: I just got a call, I'm going to

be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administration not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

Sigh is right! If they taught it here it would be the same I'm sure. It is the

psychologists who are the root of the problem here. I do remember getting to

choose a research paper on any disablility and I chose autism!? Funny how

things work. Then we had to share it with the class. I remember enjoying

bringing up the controversy for discussion afterwards.

I remember telling a teacher in grade 4 to take a flying leap with me and

even after bringing in consultants who believed Darby understood and backed it

up with research etc she still did not believe or adapt her teaching. We spent

2 years in her class despite asking for a transfer but she was an excellent

teacher for the rest of the class of Nt kids so I know when Darby was present

she was listening and learning from this excellent but narrow minded teacher.

Another root of the problem and training teachers about autism.

tracy

penelope_fam wrote:

, in our state, one can look at the curriculum for teachers

pursuing an " autism endorsement " , and the big part of the curriculum is

focused on behavior management. *sigh*

>

> I guess I thought the training would show multi disciplinary

approaches that parents are using with their individual child with

autism and that the professor would teach both sides sort or speak. May

be a bit naive way of thinking ....

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

In some states teachers already have a class called

something along the lines of " THe Exceptional

Individual " . But when I took it, the book had all of

ONE PAGE on autism, which had the 2 examples of

individuals' names MISSPELLED and misrepresented a lot

of things. I corrected all the info MYSELF and

presented it to the teacher and said " um. you need to

hand this out and send it to the book company. "

So they do need to cover ACCURATE information about

autism (not just it exists and creates savantism which

isnt always true but my textbook thought it was and

autistic people don't make eye contact which isn't

always true and autistic people always hate being

touched which is DEFINATELY NOT TRUE the end), but

there are already classes where it is appropriate to

do so. I got extra credit for talking to my class and

the other ExInd classes about it, and DevPsych and

ChildAdPsych (also required for ed majors) too. You're

going to have 2 of the 3, there is ample opportunity

to have ACCURATE info despite the baloney being

written in the books.

It isn't like restructuring the curriculum entirely is

necessary, assuming they're roughly similar state to

state (mine was in IL) but restructuring what info

they give is a good idea. Theyre about 20 years behind

the times and that's pathetic given that they were

right up to date on ADHD, psych disorders, and even

twice exceptionality.

Kassiane

--- Debi wrote:

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed

> tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be

> required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my

> thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets

> paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out.

> I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with

> no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need

> more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students

> with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit

> in required

> training because there are too many

> teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it,

> I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from

> both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[Guest guest]

From my perspective the best teachers weren't the ones well-versed in

ABA, RDI, or any other program. They were the ones who cared and

focused in on behaviors in the sense of trying to figure out why a

behavior happened. Like with writing, Allie screamed a lot when she

had to do pen-to-paper work. These teachers were smart enough to

realize she physically couldn't do it. However, the problem was their

response was to pull her to another class for intensive writing. My

response was to get her a keyboard. They felt writing was/is necessary

functional skill, my feeling was/is if they focus so much time on her

physically aquiring the ability to form letters, she would have missed

literally years of learning how to read, do basic math, etc. As a

result, they began using a keyboard in kindergarten. Problem solved.

BTW, she is writing much better and much happier about it. Don't know

if she would have been if we had kept pushing & pushing it.

Now she has confidence in showing her abilities. But, had the teacher

not seen that as the problem and me not feel a keyboard was the best

solution, I have no doubt she would be in a segregated setting to this

day trying to make letters and not be able to read or creatively

write. I guess I tend to feel that it's desire that makes a good

teacher, but had I not had the training of learning about alternative

communication/modifications to curriculum I never would have thought

of it, and the school won't suggest it unless pushed.

I guess it still comes back to proper training providing the basis of

effective teaching.

Debi

[Guest guest]

My op, mandatory reading of " You're Gonna Love This Kid " by a

Kluth PhD would go a long, long way toward effective teaching.

Debi

[Guest guest]

Dear Debi,

As a parent and an educator, I really believe all new

perspective teachers should have at least one of their student teaching

experiences in an autistic support classroom or an integrated classroom that

includes students on the Asberger’s/High Functioning Autism spectrum. I work

in a school district that really tries to include spectrum children into the

regular ed classroom, with many PDD classrooms right in my own elementary

school. With so many new diagnoses being made everyday, every teacher,

regular ed as well as special ed needs to be on the same page and trained

appropriately. Since “Awareness Training” has become part of my school’s

curriculum, I no longer see our kids being viewed as oddities in our

building. It has to start somewhere. Teachers nowadays are experiencing more

and more children on the spectrum in their rooms, so it makes sense for them

to be properly trained to deal with all students’ learning styles,

regardless of their exceptionality.

My best,

_____

From: Autism_in_Girls

[mailto:Autism_in_Girls ] On Behalf Of Debi

Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 12:40 PM

To: Autism_in_Girls

Subject: should teachers be required to have autism

training?

I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administra-tion not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.7/1283 - Release Date: 2/16/2008

2:16 PM

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.7/1283 - Release Date: 2/16/2008

2:16 PM

[Guest guest]

I love that book, but keep giving away " my " copy...

--- Debi wrote:

> My op, mandatory reading of " You're Gonna Love This

> Kid " by a

> Kluth PhD would go a long, long way toward effective

> teaching.

>

> Debi

>

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Looking for last minute shopping deals?

Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Guest guest]

I think some basic training can't hurt but what I think is great is what we had

for 's first grade teacher. She was an awesome teacher and very eager to

learn anything she could to help . We had an autism specialist come to

school and observe over several days and including recess. She then

personalized a training session for and I was invited. Since every child

with autism is different I think this was a great approach. Our school actually

paid for this which was great. The teacher that year was great, unfortunately

besides this training she had zero support from anyone else at the school and

was left to deal with along with several ESL and speech impaired kids by

herself.

Re: should teachers be required to have autism

training?

My op, mandatory reading of " You're Gonna Love This Kid " by a

Kluth PhD would go a long, long way toward effective teaching.

Debi

[Guest guest]

I definitely think teachers need to have training, I did a training for teachers

at my school and a lot of the teachers (especially veteran teachers) were not

receptive. However, these kids are out there and will be in their classrooms,

maybe if new teachers know what to expect they will be more open to accepting

our children in their classes.

should teachers be required to have autism training?

I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administration not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

[Guest guest]

I definitely think teachers need to have training, I did a training for teachers

at my school and a lot of the teachers (especially veteran teachers) were not

receptive. However, these kids are out there and will be in their classrooms,

maybe if new teachers know what to expect they will be more open to accepting

our children in their classes.

should teachers be required to have autism training?

I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

I was torn.

In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

training because there are too many teachers/administration not

ensuring the teachers get what they need.

Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

regarding the issue.

Debi

[Guest guest]

As a former teacher (now counselor) and parent of an autistic

daughter I 100% think they need training. Alot of teachers are not

prepared for children with autism in their classrooms. They lack the

understanding of how to handle behavior, the impact of changing

routines, sensory issues......

>

> I definitely think teachers need to have training, I did a training

for teachers at my school and a lot of the teachers (especially

veteran teachers) were not receptive. However, these kids are out

there and will be in their classrooms, maybe if new teachers know

what to expect they will be more open to accepting our children in

their classes.

>

>

> should teachers be required to have

autism training?

>

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the

local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to

have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told

her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid

~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more

requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is

really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

As a former teacher (now counselor) and parent of an autistic

daughter I 100% think they need training. Alot of teachers are not

prepared for children with autism in their classrooms. They lack the

understanding of how to handle behavior, the impact of changing

routines, sensory issues......

>

> I definitely think teachers need to have training, I did a training

for teachers at my school and a lot of the teachers (especially

veteran teachers) were not receptive. However, these kids are out

there and will be in their classrooms, maybe if new teachers know

what to expect they will be more open to accepting our children in

their classes.

>

>

> should teachers be required to have

autism training?

>

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the

local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to

have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told

her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid

~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more

requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is

really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, teachers have to do ongoing training anyway, so YES, I think all

teachers should receive autism training.

The fact is, considering how prevalent autism is, ALL teachers are

going to encounter autistic kids in their classrooms. NOT just special

ed teachers, not just early childhood educators, ALL teachers. If they

haven't yet, they will soon. Out of the 6 school aged kids I'm working

with right now, only one of them is in special ed all day. One is

split, half day in regular kindergarten, half in a special day class.

The other 4 (3 girls and 1 boy) are all in regular preschool or

kindergarten classes. And their teachers don't have any autism

knowledge or experience. Fortunately, all 4 of these particular

teachers have been proactive in learning what they can and asking lots

of questions. And all the kids are doing great. Well...we have a had a

few furniture throwing incidents with one of them, but again, her

teacher came to me and her mom to ask for suggestions and work out a

plan for how to prevent that from happening again. Honestly, the one

classroom where I have had to spend the MOST time working out behavior

plans and teaching strategies is the special ed classroom, which is

actually an autism class. I am continually amazed at what this teacher

(who has been " teaching " autistic students for YEARS) does not know

about autism! For example, she told this child's mom that she doesn't

teach phonics in her classroom because " autistic kids can't learn

phonics. " OMG. And there are a lot of other things like that, but this

email is getting too long already.

Anyway, my point is, YES, teachers need autism training. Even the ones

who think they know it all. Maybe ESPECIALLY the ones who think they

know it all.

Amnesty

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>

[Guest guest]

Well, teachers have to do ongoing training anyway, so YES, I think all

teachers should receive autism training.

The fact is, considering how prevalent autism is, ALL teachers are

going to encounter autistic kids in their classrooms. NOT just special

ed teachers, not just early childhood educators, ALL teachers. If they

haven't yet, they will soon. Out of the 6 school aged kids I'm working

with right now, only one of them is in special ed all day. One is

split, half day in regular kindergarten, half in a special day class.

The other 4 (3 girls and 1 boy) are all in regular preschool or

kindergarten classes. And their teachers don't have any autism

knowledge or experience. Fortunately, all 4 of these particular

teachers have been proactive in learning what they can and asking lots

of questions. And all the kids are doing great. Well...we have a had a

few furniture throwing incidents with one of them, but again, her

teacher came to me and her mom to ask for suggestions and work out a

plan for how to prevent that from happening again. Honestly, the one

classroom where I have had to spend the MOST time working out behavior

plans and teaching strategies is the special ed classroom, which is

actually an autism class. I am continually amazed at what this teacher

(who has been " teaching " autistic students for YEARS) does not know

about autism! For example, she told this child's mom that she doesn't

teach phonics in her classroom because " autistic kids can't learn

phonics. " OMG. And there are a lot of other things like that, but this

email is getting too long already.

Anyway, my point is, YES, teachers need autism training. Even the ones

who think they know it all. Maybe ESPECIALLY the ones who think they

know it all.

Amnesty

>

> I just got a call, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow for the local

> news about whether or not teachers should be required to have " autism

> training " before they can teach. She asked me my thoughts, I told her

> I was torn.

>

> In my county of my state a teacher starting out gets paid ~$29,000/yr.

> I think a master's level is $32,000/yr starting out. I feel that

> teachers in my area are trained out the wazzoo with no financial

> reward/compensation and that I do not feel they need more requirements

> piled on top of them, and that teaching students with autism is really

> more about attitude. That said, I do see the benefit in required

> training because there are too many teachers/administration not

> ensuring the teachers get what they need.

>

> Just curious what you all think. I sorta dread it, I'm too busy for

> this, but I feel I can give a good perspective from both angles

> regarding the issue.

>

> Debi

>