Resource Teacher: Role–
Table of Contents
Nowadays, education is not just a means of acquiring knowledge, but it has also become the foundation for the all-round development of every student. Its true purpose is fulfilled only when it is equally accessible and effective for all students, regardless of their circumstances or class. This very purpose and endeavor of education is also the fundamental basis of inclusive education. In the current inclusive education system, it has become extremely important to ensure equal opportunities for all exceptional students.
Therefore, the true objective of inclusive education is to ensure the all-round development of all students, as well as their future direction. In this context, the role of the resource teacher becomes especially important.
Role of Teacher in School-
Teachers are the most important and influential pillars of any society and education system. Teachers, as a resource, not only impart knowledge but also serve as a true guide, inspiring students. Along with this, they also contribute significantly to the all-around development of the students. In the quality of education of any country, the role of the teacher is very important and influential. The job of a teacher is not only to explain or solve the topics of the curriculum, but also to develop the ability of the students to think, understand, and learn.
Meaning and Definition of Resource Teacher-
Resource Teacher means a teacher who, while analyzing the individual learning needs of specific students, also prepares necessary resources, guidance, special teaching strategies, and materials according to them. They evaluate the thinking abilities and weaknesses of the students and also prepare a personalized education plan based on the same. Such as use of Braille and tactile-based materials for visually impaired students, use of sign language and visual teaching techniques for students with hearing impairment, setting small goals for students with intellectual disability, conducting time-bound activities, and encouraging them as needed.
Therefore, resource teachers are teachers who assist in the study and all-around development of special needs, special students. The main objective is to integrate students into the mainstream of the classroom and to make the process of their learning very simple and easy.
Resource teachers tend to focus on specific students. They also contribute to the physical, mental, moral, emotional, social, and confidence-related development of students. At the same time, they also strive to address learning disparities between general and special students in an inclusive classroom. This is an important and impactful step towards inclusive education, ensuring that no student is deprived of education due to his or her physical or mental challenges.
In India, both the Right to Education Act, 2009, and the New Education Policy-2020 have laid special emphasis on inclusive education. As per these policies, there is a need for trained teachers in every school who can identify students with special needs and provide them with proper guidance and support. To meet all these requirements, the appointment of a Resource Teacher has been made mandatory, which is an important and concrete step towards ensuring equal opportunity and quality teaching in the education system.
Purpose of the Blog-
The main objective of this blog is to make the readers aware of the role of the resource teacher, key responsibilities, appointment and working day, special teaching strategies for specific students, and its importance in education. Through this blog, it is explained how the resource teacher makes the education of specific students seamless, impactful, and inclusive. Along with this, it also highlights their challenges and prospects, so that readers can understand the reality of inclusive education and its importance, and contribute towards providing a level playing field to distinguished students in society.
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Resource Teacher: Key Responsibilities-
The job of a resource teacher is not limited to teaching, but he performs a variety of roles as a guide, coordinator, and collaborator. Their main objective is to bring students with special needs into the mainstream of education and make their learning process smoother.
1- Identifying the individual needs of the students-
First, resource teachers identify the individual needs of each student. He carefully analyses the behaviour, communication, learning, and understanding capacity of students. Based on this, determine what kind of additional support or resources the student needs. For example, visual learning material can be useful for a student who has a hearing impairment, the use of Braille and tactile-based material for visually impaired students, and sign language can be useful for students with hearing impairment.
2- Preparation of learning materials and strategies-
These prepare special learning materials and strategies for students. This includes techniques such as charts, flash cards, picture books, hearing aids, computer software, or teaching through games. All these activities are designed in such a way that the student can learn with confidence.
3- Coordination with teachers and parents-
This is to establish a constant rapport with the general teachers and parents. He tells teachers how to deal with specific students in the classroom and how the curriculum can be made flexible for them. At the same time, he also regularly communicates with the parents so that the student can get equal support both at home and at school.
4- Preparation of the assessment report of students-
Resource teachers evaluate and prepare reports for the progress of the students. He regularly analyses the achievements and problems of the children and also gives them the necessary suggestions for their improvement.
5. Providing emotional and social support-
Resource teachers also have an important responsibility to provide emotional and social support to children. He makes them believe that they are no less than anyone and can lead a life of self-respect in society.
6- To create awareness about inclusive education-
At the school level, he also makes every effort to make people aware of inclusive education. Teachers, students, and parents are made to understand that every student is special and should get equal opportunities. This is the important responsibility of the resource teacher.
Resource Teacher: Appointment and Working Day-
The process of appointing a resource teacher in government and private schools depends on the activity of the school, the education board, and the government policies.
Procedure for appointment in government and private schools-
The nature of the appointment and work of any resource teacher depends on the activity of the school, the Board of Education, and the policies of the government. All these teachers are often appointed in government schools in India under schemes like ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’. The objective of all these schemes is to provide equal opportunities to specific students with special needs and to connect them with the mainstream of education. In many states, these are made functional in various schools only through District Education Offices or Block Resource Centres.
But in private schools, they are appointed directly by the school manager. Private institutions, under the Department of Special Education, permanently appoint one or more resource teachers, who observe the progress of the students throughout the semester and counsel the teachers.
Resource Teacher’s Workday-
A resource teacher’s work day is filled with a wide variety of activities. They inspect the classes every morning, analyse the learning process of the students, and then work with the teachers to prepare the necessary plans for the students. In the afternoon, he meets parents to share suggestions for the behavioural development of children and also prepares records related to it.
Collaboration with teachers, principals, and the community-
These principals, together with general educators and people from the community, strive to create an inclusive environment in the school. Through awareness programs, workshops, and interactive sessions, he conveys the message that education should be equal and accessible to all students. Thus, he becomes the soul of inclusive education in the school.
Resource Teacher: Special Teaching Strategies for Specific Students-
They also devise special learning strategies for specific students (people with different disabilities, e.g., visually impaired, hearing impaired, mental disability, etc).
1- Use of Teaching Aids and Assistive Technology-
The most important task of a resource teacher is to identify the abilities and difficulties of each specific student and provide them with special support as per their needs. Although the needs of each specific student are different, they have to adopt different teaching strategies for different types of disabilities.
Examples–
For visually impaired students, tactile materials, Braille script, and audiobooks are used. For students with hearing impairments, reading techniques and visual materials based on sign language, such as lip movements, are used. For students with mental disability, small study goals are set so that they can gradually progress to their abilities. For students suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), short activities, timed tasks, and strategies to give consistent encouragement are adopted.
The resource teacher also uses teaching aids and assistive technology to make all these strategies effective. Such as tablets, audio-visual presentations, educational apps, interactive games, and specialized software that make learning interesting.
2- Preparation of Individualized Education Plan-
These prepare individualized education plans for each student. Under this, their learning pace, goals, teaching methodology, and evaluation system are determined. The scheme is not only a process of progress for the students but also serves as a guideline for parents and teachers.
3- Increasing self-reliance and self-confidence-
Their purpose is not only to teach the students, but to develop in them a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance. When the student starts believing in himself, he starts actively participating in the learning process. This is the biggest and most important success of a resource teacher.
Resource Teacher: Challenges-
The role of a resource teacher is as sensitive and important as it is challenging. Their responsibilities in the education system are at times made even more difficult due to the lack of resources and support.
1- Lack of resources and training-
The first challenge for a resource teacher is the lack of resources and training. Many schools still do not have adequate teaching materials, assistive devices, and technical resources. Additionally, resource teachers need periodic, in-service training as needed, so that they can stay updated with new teaching methodologies and techniques.
2- Lack of awareness among parents and teachers-
The second major problem for a resource teacher is the lack of awareness among parents and teachers. Many times, the general teacher is not familiar with the methods of teaching specific students, while some parents also have a tendency to hide or ignore their child’s situation. This makes the task of a resource teacher more difficult.
3- Additional workload and a higher number of students-
A resource teacher often has to deal with an extra workload and a high number of students. Having the same teacher take on additional assignments in multiple schools makes it extremely difficult to give individual attention to specific students.
4- Social Prejudice and Mental Pressure-
For a resource teacher, social prejudice and mental pressure are also major challenges. There are still many misconceptions and negative attitudes about disability in society. In all these circumstances, the resource teacher has to make continuous efforts not only to handle specific students but also to change the mindset of society.
Resource Teacher: Solutions and Improvement Measures-
Solutions to their challenges and measures for improvement are possible not only through their efforts but also through reforms based on a holistic approach and policy rules. For this, the government, the education department, society, and the private sector have to make continuous efforts together.
1- Policy reforms required by the government and the education department-
The challenges of resource teachers require policy reforms by the government and the education department on a large scale, first of all. Appointment of resource teachers, training, and salary structure should be strengthened in schemes related to inclusive education. Appointment of at least one trained resource teacher and availability of resources in each school should be ensured.
2- Use of digital tools and e-learning resources-
Digital tools and e-learning resources should be used in greater quantities for resource teacher challenges. Through audio-visual content, learning apps, and online platforms, teaching can be made more impactful and flexible. This gives specific students the opportunity to study according to their needs.
3- Regular training and counselling sessions-
The third measure for resource teacher challenges, regular training and counselling sessions should be conducted. This not only enhances their business skills but also helps maintain mental balance and motivation.
4- Support of the community and NGOs-
Community and NGO support is also an extremely important measure for resource teacher challenges. For this, local organizations, parent groups, and voluntary organizations can come together to form a movement towards inclusive education. The goal of inclusive education will be fulfilled only when everyone collectively understands that every student deserves equal education.
Resource Teacher: Future and Career Prospects-
Nowadays, the career prospects for a golden future as a resource teacher are increasing very fast.
1- Increasing need for inclusive education–
Based on the growing acceptance of inclusive education, due to new schemes and policies, the golden future and career prospects as a resource teacher are also increasing rapidly. Just as society is moving towards mainstreaming elite students, the demand for trained and sensitive resource teachers is also increasing day by day.
2- New employment opportunities in government schemes and institutions-
Even in government schemes and institutions, the role of resource teachers is increasing day by day. Under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and various State Education Missions, Resource Teachers are being appointed. The Department of Education, Special Schools, Rehabilitation Centres, and Government Training Institutes are also providing new employment opportunities to these teachers in permanent or contractual posts.
3- Prospects as Independent Counsellor, Trainer or NGO Worker-
Resource teachers can also act as independent counselors, trainers, or NGO workers. Many NGOs and private schools also hire experienced resource teachers as part of inclusive education programmes. Along with this, the increasing spread of digital education and online training has opened the doors to new possibilities for them.
Therefore, in the future, the more sensitive and inclusive society becomes, the more established resource teachers, not just as teachers but as agents of change, who link education to the rights and dignity of each specific student.
Resource Teacher: Conclusion-
Resource teachers are an integral part of the entire education system, bringing to life the true spirit of inclusive education. Their presence in society ensures that no particular student is deprived of education due to their physical, mental, or social circumstances. Just as the strength of a building depends on its foundation, the strength of the entire education system depends on the teachers who, with their sensitivity, wisdom, and experience, provide an opportunity to learn to every student.
Resource teachers not only connect each specific student with education, but they also work to develop an inclusive attitude in society. They teach teachers, parents, and the community that the real meaning of education is not just to read and write, but to recognize, awaken, and develop the hidden abilities, talents, and possibilities in the minds of each student.
In fact, it is very important for all the teachers in the entire education world to have all those talents and qualities of a resource teacher. For example, a vision that allows students to see the child’s abilities and talents before problems, and empathy that can increase their self-confidence and self-confidence. When all teachers adopt all these approaches, all schools become centres of not only knowledge, but also of equality, empathy, opportunity, and success.
Resource teachers, therefore, not only transform the entire education world, but also become a symbol of humanity that helps all students reach their dreams through their success.