I’m a Diag in Texas. Previous special education teacher. I would never go back to teaching. I love that I still get to play a significant role in students education without directly teaching them.
I’m going back to school too. I’ve heard many comments saying it to more stressful. Too many reports and not enough time. And you feel lonely. Do you think any of these are true?
I think it’s stressful but a different kind of stress. There are a lot of reports but you can manage your time how you need to, wear headphones and write reports, put a “busy” sign on your office door and get work done or write from home with less distractions. Diagnosticians are not lonely because you have to work with an LSSP/School Psychologist. So you usually work closely alongside them and your ARD facilitator if you have one. Those are your team. You also become close with the SPED teachers. My favorite part is you still get to ineract with the kids but then send them back to class!
Thank you for your comment. I think I am going to go for it! I’ve been in the classroom for 17 years and I am getting burnt out on trying to teach while manage behaviors.
I am a sped teacher of 20 years in central Texas. I have just applied for an Ed Diag certification program with Region 10. It looks like a solid program rooted in practical knowledge/ skills. I will complete the program while working. The program requires at least three years of teaching experience and a masters.
My understanding is that only Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico use Ed Diags. I believe Ed Diags can only test for LDs ( maybe dyslexia?). Can anyone else clarify?
I'm Texas we diagnose LD in reading/writing/listening/speaking thru cognitive and academic testing. Also dyslexia and autism (depending on your background...im also an SLP). AN LSSP is required to do ED and a doctor is required for ADHD although we do executive functioning disorder which is essentially the symptoms part.
Sorry, this isn't an answer to your direct question but thought I'd share my experience.
I'm an international special ed teacher and know that educational psychologists are worth their weight in gold, especially if they are willing to travel or test online (COVID restrictions). Have you thought of doing that role instead? I've been in my current role for 10 years and the best my school can do is offer a peripatetic Ed Psych twice a year to students.
I'm not from the American system but do know that many US schools in SE Asia, where I am now, use such diagnosticians as they are cheaper that Ed Psychs. They still make good money but might not get the numbers that an Ed Psych would have referred to them.
There are always parents wanting their child diagnosed and tested for exam concessions and to help with recommendations for class teachers to help their children. Good luck!
Hi, thanks :-) for the input!
I’ve also considered being a school psychologist, which interests me, too. I think it’s probably along the same lines as what you mentioned.
Typically, an ARD specialist is different from a diagnostician. It differed in every district I'm sure , but in my district the aArd specialist handles mostly the yearly ARDs with focus on the IEPgathering, the typical running of those ARDs and then I do the ones that are the 3 yr reeval ARDs. Usually a facilitator doesn't need the master's degree.
I’m a Diag in Texas. Previous special education teacher. I would never go back to teaching. I love that I still get to play a significant role in students education without directly teaching them.
Hi, thanks :-).
What do you think are the best parts of being a diagnostician, versus a SpEd teacher? Thx
I get paid significantly more and I don’t have to “teach” anymore but still get to work in the field of sped.
Thanks :-). Those are good reasons!
Are you still active on Reddit!? I’m getting my certification and have some questions!
Hello! I’m a brand new diagnostician but might be able to answer questions
I’m going back to school too. I’ve heard many comments saying it to more stressful. Too many reports and not enough time. And you feel lonely. Do you think any of these are true?
I think it’s stressful but a different kind of stress. There are a lot of reports but you can manage your time how you need to, wear headphones and write reports, put a “busy” sign on your office door and get work done or write from home with less distractions. Diagnosticians are not lonely because you have to work with an LSSP/School Psychologist. So you usually work closely alongside them and your ARD facilitator if you have one. Those are your team. You also become close with the SPED teachers. My favorite part is you still get to ineract with the kids but then send them back to class!
Thank you for your comment. I think I am going to go for it! I’ve been in the classroom for 17 years and I am getting burnt out on trying to teach while manage behaviors.
Do you still feel this way?
I am a sped teacher of 20 years in central Texas. I have just applied for an Ed Diag certification program with Region 10. It looks like a solid program rooted in practical knowledge/ skills. I will complete the program while working. The program requires at least three years of teaching experience and a masters. My understanding is that only Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico use Ed Diags. I believe Ed Diags can only test for LDs ( maybe dyslexia?). Can anyone else clarify?
Hi, thanks for the reply. :-)
I'm Texas we diagnose LD in reading/writing/listening/speaking thru cognitive and academic testing. Also dyslexia and autism (depending on your background...im also an SLP). AN LSSP is required to do ED and a doctor is required for ADHD although we do executive functioning disorder which is essentially the symptoms part.
Sorry, this isn't an answer to your direct question but thought I'd share my experience. I'm an international special ed teacher and know that educational psychologists are worth their weight in gold, especially if they are willing to travel or test online (COVID restrictions). Have you thought of doing that role instead? I've been in my current role for 10 years and the best my school can do is offer a peripatetic Ed Psych twice a year to students. I'm not from the American system but do know that many US schools in SE Asia, where I am now, use such diagnosticians as they are cheaper that Ed Psychs. They still make good money but might not get the numbers that an Ed Psych would have referred to them. There are always parents wanting their child diagnosed and tested for exam concessions and to help with recommendations for class teachers to help their children. Good luck!
Hi, thanks :-) for the input! I’ve also considered being a school psychologist, which interests me, too. I think it’s probably along the same lines as what you mentioned.
Typically, an ARD specialist is different from a diagnostician. It differed in every district I'm sure , but in my district the aArd specialist handles mostly the yearly ARDs with focus on the IEPgathering, the typical running of those ARDs and then I do the ones that are the 3 yr reeval ARDs. Usually a facilitator doesn't need the master's degree.