Who is primarily responsible for instructing special education students in today's public schools?

In today's public schools, special education teachers hold primary responsibility for instructing special education students. These educators are specifically trained to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to the unique needs of students with disabilities. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement specialized teaching strategies and accommodations in the classroom, creating an inclusive environment that supports learning for all students.

Regular classroom teachers also play an important role in supporting students with special needs, particularly in inclusive settings. However, their primary focus is on the general curriculum and the diverse classroom population, which includes typical learners alongside those with special education needs. They often collaborate with special education teachers to facilitate a supportive learning experience, but it is the special education teachers who take the lead in direct instruction and specialized methodologies.

Teacher aides may assist both regular and special education teachers by providing support and helping with classroom management, but they do not take on the responsibility for education planning or specific instruction.

Administrators oversee school operations but are not directly involved in the day-to-day instruction of students, including those with special needs.