Lieba Gutfreund on Special Education

What is your job title, what do you do, and how long have you been working in this field? What is the path that led you to this job?

I’ve been working in the special education field for nearly 15 years and currently perform three different roles pertaining to whole-child development. When I first finished college through Sara Schenirer, I began working one-on-one with preschool-aged children as a SEIT supporting their social, emotional, and academic needs. This led to managing a self-contained class in a school specifically for students who faced challenges including emotional difficulties, behavioral issues, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a head teacher, I gained a tremendous amount of hands-on experience in these areas as well as in literacy and phonemic awareness.

Combining all this knowledge, I joined Sara Schenirer as an instructor a few years ago teaching undergraduates how to work with teams (including OTs, PTs, and other therapists) in a special education setting. This eventually led to being hired to coordinate and run the very successful ABA degree program for Sara Schenirer. I needed more flexibility than a full-time classroom teacher position allowed, so I decided to get additional training in DIR (developmental, individual-differences, and relationship-based model). DIR is implemented through Floortime which focuses on development through play and helps children with educational, social-emotional, and other challenges. I work with clients using Floortime on a part-time basis either individually or in a group classroom setting.

Can you explain what a professional in your field does?

Special education professionals support students with developmental, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs through various methods. For instance, in the classroom I helped students keep up with the curriculum from an academic standpoint using many different modalities since they couldn’t necessarily learn the typical way. I also assisted them when they needed social or emotional support, so it was important to have a deep understanding of each child and work with their therapists to maximize their potential. With Floortime play, I focus on individualized development through relationships and interactions.

In what area of study did you obtain a degree and how does it inform what you currently do? Can you offer insight into the variety of ways in which your degree can be used?

I graduated from Sara Schenirer with a Bachelor of Arts in special education, and a Master of Science in literacy education. The special education background is still the foundation of what I practice today, and the literacy skills helped me immensely as a classroom teacher. I further developed my skills and experience as I progressed in my career.

A degree in special education can be used in several ways. One can be a P3 or SEIT and work with children individually in a pull-out situation, or one can be a reading or keriah specialist and branch off in different directions. For example, my sister Penina Neuberger who also attended Sara Schenirer and earned the same degrees as I did is now a math coach and develops and sells math curriculums to a wide variety of schools. Another good career option is to work your way up to become a supervisor within an educational environment. A lot depends on one’s personal goals, motivation, and individual levels of achievement.

Is a career in this industry valuable?

It's an incredibly worthwhile career because you are working with children and playing a part in helping them thrive and grow during their formative years. It is extremely gratifying to know you aided in their development and helped teach them the social, emotional, and behavioral skills that they will have and rely on for life. There is nothing more important than educating the next generation.

What does a day-in-the-life look like?

My days differ since I’m engaged in multiple areas within the field. I have some flexibility in the sense that I am not in the classroom daily, but I do go into schools at times to work with children on Floortime. I also teach a college course each semester and manage the ABA program, both of which allow me opportunities to have an indirect impact on the growth and development of countless children.  

What are the skills necessary for success in this career and what type of characteristics would be a good fit for positions in this field?

Because jobs in this field cover a diverse range, they can accommodate a wide range of personality traits and characteristics. If you're someone who's outgoing and energetic, you could flourish as a teacher or working one-on-one with children. If you are someone who demonstrates leadership, you might aim to be a supervisor. If you are in a stage of life where you need a flexible schedule, you may opt to work part-time in a pull-out position. The beauty of the field is its versatility.

What is the most rewarding part of the job and the most challenging aspect?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the tremendous changes that happen in children as I work with them. It’s so fulfilling to know I am helping them grow and develop. I also feel gratification from managing the ABA program because we maintain very high standards and produce excellent therapists. By helping students earn their education and degrees, we are molding and shaping the next generation of teachers and therapists who will be working with our children.

The most challenging part is the enormous responsibility that comes with working with young kids. It’s important to be organized and make sure that you're staying on top of everything, especially if you plan on working in multiple areas.

What is the job market like? Are jobs easy to obtain, flexible, and well-paying?

There is definitely job availability at the entry level, since teachers and special educators are always in high demand. The market is tighter when it comes to obtaining supervisory roles, so you have to build yourself up and work towards that. Jobs can be flexible depending on what area you choose to go into, especially if you work part-time and in a school setting.

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up? How is success defined in this field?

Working very part-time, you would probably start off with a salary range of $30,000-$40,000. Depending on your workload and position, pay would increase and you could make upwards of $80,000-$90,000 once you reach the level of a supervisor.

I would define success as being productive working with your clients. If you are doing the most you can to help a child thrive, that's really the success that matters. There are other measures such as financial compensation and recognition for your achievements, but there’s no better feeling than knowing you are helping a child flourish.

Would you recommend this career to other frum women and men? Why or why not? What advice can you give to people interested in this field?

It depends on the individual and what they’re looking to do. If you enjoy working with children and are high energy, then it can be a really good fit. It can also be a very physical job and emotionally demanding when you’re managing an entire classroom of children with special needs. Occupations in the educational field can fit very well into a frum lifestyle, especially if you work in a Jewish school since it will follow the Jewish calendar, and if you’re a parent you can have the same schedule as your children.

I would tell anyone interested in special education to think about what area you want to specialize in, explore your work options, and make sure those opportunities will be available to you once you graduate. Think about what you want your future to look like as far as work-life balance and what could fit your needs.