Shadow Teacher

Shadow teacher: They are individuals who assist our children with developmental or behavioral disorders, who cannot take care of their daily needs alone, who are in need of help, who are mentally disabled, or who experience social communication breakdowns.

The shadow teacher must be individuals who are studying or have graduated from special education departments such as child development and education, preschool teaching, or psychology at universities, or who have received this training from private institutions.

Shadow teachers contribute to improving our children's lives, lifestyles, quality, social relationships, intelligence, and motor skills.

They also protect the child from potential harm that may come from themselves or from outside. At the same time, they observe them in school or classroom settings and share their observations with families and specialists, working together to raise them as individuals. There are experienced, educated, referenced, and reliable shadow teachers, both residential and daytime.

If you have a child with a mental issue, you are likely facing difficulties in developing their mind and skills, making their life easier and more beautiful, and ensuring their participation in society. Unfortunately, the number and quality of educational institutions that provide adequate and appropriate support for children in need of special education in our country are insufficient. In this case, you may need to resort to special solutions. Shadow teacher is one of these solutions.

Who is a Shadow Teacher?

They are educators who support and guide school-aged individuals with issues such as sensory and behavioral disorders, Down syndrome, learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, neuro-developmental disorders, and autism. Those who work as shadow teachers have generally received education and graduated from departments such as special education, child development, and psychology.

Recently, it was announced by the Ministry of National Education that having a facilitator for children with autism will be legally regulated. Some families have previously been able to have someone present with their children at school and in the classroom by reaching an agreement with the school administration or by hiring a shadow teacher for a fee. From now on, it is planned that this will be done under a legal regulation. For this, the family's recommendation will be taken, and a special commission established at the school will discuss and decide on the matter.

What Does a Shadow Teacher Do?

They assist the child they are guiding in:

* Learning and applying behaviors that need to be practiced in school and classroom settings, such as lining up, raising hands, greeting others, waiting, and moving in harmony with other students.

* Being present around them at school and in the classroom, providing assistance, and making observations.

* Understanding their lessons and completing their homework.

* Observing the child's behaviors in school and home environments, sharing their observations with parents and, if necessary, with specialist doctors.

* Guiding them to meet their needs that they struggle to fulfill, helping them to become independent.

* Providing guidance for the development of socialization and communication skills.

* Being present during lessons, helping them understand what is being taught and participate in class.

What Benefits Does a Shadow Teacher Provide to Families?

Being a parent of a mentally and physically disabled child is not easy. Your child struggles to perform many simple, everyday tasks that healthy children of their age can easily do. This situation can lead you to feel helpless and to have intense worries about your child's future. You try to teach them something with great patience and hope, striving to make them more skilled and independent. You can succeed in this, but it is a very exhausting and tiring process.

Shadow teachers are the greatest helpers for families in similar situations. Because they are knowledgeable in areas such as child development and education, they know how to assist your child in a way that is suitable for their special situation. They help lighten your load and increase your hope. They guide you on how to behave towards your child.

What Characteristics Should a Shadow Teacher Have?

Having received education in a field is not enough on its own for a person to perform well and efficiently in that area. Therefore, a shadow teacher must also possess the following characteristics:

* Loving children

* Being able to communicate successfully with children

* Being patient, compassionate, and understanding

* Loving their job and being aware of their responsibilities

* Being a good observer

* Being a good researcher, keeping up with innovations related to their field, and reflecting this in their work

* Being punctual and organized

What Should You Pay Attention to When Choosing a Shadow Teacher?

* There are many types and levels of mental disorders. Make sure that the shadow teacher you hire is knowledgeable about your child's specific issue.

* If a child can meet their basic needs independently but struggles with socialization and being active in a group, and has completed part of their educational life, a shadow sister with vocational high school level education may be sufficient to support them. However, in some cases, it is necessary to prefer experienced shadow teacher candidates. For example, when it comes to children who have just been diagnosed with autism, have not started any education, and have communication issues, an educated and experienced shadow teacher would be a better alternative.

If you prefer to work with a shadow sister, you should ensure that she possesses certain skills. The shadow sister should be able to communicate with your child, understand and meet their needs, and take precautions to protect their interests when necessary. Additionally, she should be able to communicate correctly and healthily with school staff she can connect with while performing her job and collaborate with them.

* When choosing a shadow teacher, you should ensure that the candidate possesses the personality traits required for the job. Someone who does not love, understand, or communicate with children in various ways, and cannot approach them with compassion and patience, cannot perform this job as needed and cannot provide you with the benefits you need.

Carefully observe how the candidate you are considering behaves, speaks, and uses body language when they first meet your child. This will give you an idea of their approach to children and their work.

Many Families Are Looking for “I Am Looking for a Shadow Teacher” Ads

The inability of most educational institutions to provide adequate support for disabled children has led parents to post ads such as I am looking for a shadow teacher to find a special educator for their children. This situation has also increased the number of individuals who want to work as shadow teachers. Responsible teachers who love their job and fulfill their duties properly can help the children they guide reach their best potential. This support also gives parents a chance to rest and relax, allowing them to care for their children better.

The shadow teacher you agree with benefits not only your child but also you. You experience the comfort of having someone who cares for your child, guides them, and helps them accelerate their development and adapt to the school environment. When you see the positive effects of the teacher on your child, you feel better and more hopeful.

If Your Child's Problem Is Advanced, You Should Look for a Qualified Shadow Teacher

Although those who work as shadow teachers fundamentally do the same job, their education and experience levels are not the same, and they also have personal differences. If you have a child with severe mental disabilities, you will need someone who is both educated and experienced, as well as someone who loves their job and does it to the best of their ability. This way, you can ensure that your child covers the longest possible distance in the shortest time.

Shadow Teacher Works in Collaboration with the Classroom Teacher

The shadow teacher encourages the student who does not know that they need to raise their hand to ask for permission to go to the bathroom or to answer a question asked to the whole class, to perform the correct actions in these matters. Thus, they ensure that the student they guide learns the classroom rules and understands the instructions given by the classroom teacher. Once the student begins to do something independently, the shadow teacher gradually stops providing assistance in that area. This way, they slowly promote the development of the child's skills, courage, and social abilities.

Finding a Shadow Teacher with Damla Consultancy

If you are considering hiring a shadow teacher/facilitator to accelerate and strengthen your child's slow and insufficient mental development, you can contact us. After obtaining information about your situation and requests, we will identify the most ideal candidates from our portfolio as soon as possible and arrange a meeting with you where we can also be present.