A remedial teacher is a K-12 or college instructor who teaches courses to students who are below grade level in one or more subjects for various reasons. These teachers may be referred to as special education teachers in K-12 settings. They are known as remedial teachers, basic teachers, or adult education teachers in college. Teachers of English as a second language (ESL) are also known as basic or remedial teachers.
Remedial teachers’ responsibilities vary depending on the population and subjects they teach. In K-12 settings, special education teachers work with a wide range of students with varying learning needs. Some students have high IQs, but disabilities make it difficult for them to learn subjects in the traditional way. The remedial teacher’s goal could be to identify the best learning strategies and, with the help of others such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and others, determine how the student will be best supported in the classroom.
The remedial teacher may then meet with the student individually or in a group setting several times a week or every day to assist in the learning process. Students appear to perform better in classes such as special day classes, where they can learn at their own pace. Some remedial teachers in grades K-12 are the primary instructors in these classes, working tirelessly to help each student reach his or her full potential. Similarly, some ESL teachers work with a group of students all day, assisting them in learning a new language while also teaching subjects that are appropriate for each child’s age group or grade.
A remedial teacher at the college level is anyone who teaches classes that are typically below college level standards. Many community colleges have strong remedial programs to help students make up for high school courses they didn’t understand or to gradually bring up the knowledge of adults who didn’t receive much formal education. Basic courses could start with simple language and math classes and progress to classes like composition and algebra that students would have taken in their senior year of high school.
Students with special needs, such as language learners or those with learning disabilities, may benefit from the assistance of a variety of experts in these fields. Alternatively, there are many college teachers who have not received remedial training who could be assigned to teach basic English and math classes. It all depends on the college and how their programs for assisting students who require extra assistance are set up. At these levels, people may earn degrees, such as master’s degrees, that are specific to working in remedial education.
Another type of remedial teacher might work for a private learning school that offers yearly educational support or summer programs to help struggling students. For some students, these programs can be extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, they are often costly, and they may necessitate additional homework in addition to schoolwork. This method is not appropriate for all students. The level of training received these teachers varies.