Teachers bring with them a wide range of experience, talents and skills. Virtually all Mentor Teachers have taught children with disabilities in the classroom. Similarly, the kinds of accommodations a Teacher Candidate with a disability needs to teach effectively may differ from the accommodations needed to learn effectively.
The regulations governing confidentiality and sharing of information play out differently in the school versus university situation. Information about a Teacher Candidate’s disability cannot be shared with school personnel without the candidate’s permission. Teacher Candidates with disabilities in the pre-service program are not required to disclose the nature of their disability or diagnosis. However, Teacher Candidates are expected to be able to assume the responsibilities and demands of teaching. If there is a concern about a candidate’s abilities/disabilities, take these concerns to the Practicum Supervisor.
If the Teacher Candidate with disabilities gives permission to discuss her/his disability, Course Directors or Practicum Supervisors may share with school personnel the accommodations that are currently in place in the coursework, and work together to find solutions to problems that may arise during the practicum.
Once accommodations have been identified and successfully put in place, the evaluation process and expectations for the Teacher Candidate with disabilities is the same as for all students.
Source: Assisting Students with Disabilities: Faculty of Education York University, June 2006.