When you have a child or children with ADHD, chances are you will spend time working with various school personnel. The different people you meet have different responsibilities and each do a different job. Each of them can help you to help your child succeed. Knowing what the different titles and job descriptions are can help you determine who can help when something goes awry.
Teacher
A teacher is defined as a person who teaches pupils in various learning and thinking skills. Elementary school teachers normally teach children all of the major subjects. In middle school and high school, teachers are often specialized, teaching one particular subject, such as Social Studies or Math. In all states, teachers are required to be licensed. Teachers have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree and normally have undergone a teacher-training program. Some teachers have continued their education to receive a Master’s Degree.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers have gone through the same education and licensing procedures for a regular classroom teacher. Many continue their education and obtain their Master’s Degree. Special Education Teachers work with a variety of students with special needs. Students can have physical or mental disabilities, including: mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, visual impairments, deafness, emotional disorders, brain injury and other health problems. Special Education teachers work with parents and other school personnel in developing an educational plan specific to each child.
Guidance Counselor
The Guidance Counselor works with students in dealing with social, personal and behavioral problems. They can provide advocacy for students with special needs. Many Guidance Counselors will teach classes on conflict resolution, anger management and drug and alcohol prevention. They also will work with students on an individual basis. In high school, Guidance Counselors also offer career and educational counseling as well as provide information on college admissions, career choices, financial aid, trade schools and apprenticeship programs. Guidance Counselors will also work with parents in making sure an IEP or Section 504 is followed. They can often be a central point of contact for parents, especially in middle school and high school when parents are working with numerous teachers.
