Sometimes schools post jobs like “Counsellor-cum-Special Educator needed” with the expectation that the same person will handle both academic learning and emotional guidance. If you look back to our childhood, we remember a lot of difficulties we faced in making friends, struggling to understand the growing personalities and adjusting to the new social life and dealing with the academic pressure and learning.
When these kinds of problems arise, two important professionals step in, first the special educator and then the counsellor. Both support children in different ways; unfortunately, their roles are often mixed up, and many times, individuals hired to do these roles don’t even have the proper training. This creates confusion for parents, teachers, and children. This confusion can affect the child’s overall growth and development. So today, let’s understand the difference between the two.
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Who is a Special Educator?
A special educator is a teacher who supports children with disabilities or special learning needs in India. A special educator must have a degree in special education, like D.Ed./ B Ed, or a diploma in special education approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Post-training candidates can work in special schools, rehabilitation centres or even inclusive schools that support children with diverse learning needs
They also need to be registered with RCI and take refresher training regularly (RCI, 2023). The main role of a special educator is to make learning easier, more accessible and meaningful for students who may struggle in a traditional classroom. They designed lessons that fit each child’s strengths and challenges, and I just have subjects that are taught so that every student has a fair chance to understand and succeed. One of the key responsibilities of a special educator is to develop individual education plans (IEPs). These plans guide how a child will learn best, what kind of support they need and how their progress will be measured because every child learns differently.
Because every child learns differently, special educators use a variety of strategies, like visual aids, hands-on activities, or breaking lessons into smaller steps and make it more comprehensible. Their focus isn’t just on academics but also on building confidence and independence in the children. Above all, they believe that every child can grow and achieve, in their own way and at their own pace.
Despite the work that a special educator does, it is important to note that they do not work in isolation. In fact, they collaborate with parents, therapists and general classroom teachers to ensure that the student feels included and supported, and they succeed in their academics and learning.
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Who is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is a guide and a listener in a school. Setting the support students who have challenges in their emotional and social life. These rules are not limited only to studying to become a counsellor in India. They should usually have a Masters in Psychology or guidance counselling (UGC). A counsellor is not like a classroom teacher; it is someone who helps students understand their problems and helps them find healthy solutions. Counsellors often provide individual sessions and use techniques like active listening, role-play, and mindfulness techniques to address the diverse problems of children. These tools help children open up and express their inner world.
In these sessions, students can share worries about exams, friendships, family issues, or career choices. Counsellors also advise on study habits and guide young people in choosing future paths. When a student needs deeper mental health support, the counsellor may connect them with a psychologist or doctor.
Counsellors deal with issues that may not be related to shown in books or exams. A child may have perfect grades but still feel lonely or stressed. That is where the counsellor steps in. A counsellor aims to make students feel safe, heard, and supported. By building resilience and self-confidence, they help children face both school and life outside school with strength.
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Why Do We Confuse the Two Roles?
The primary reason this confusion arises is from the fact that both roles deal with children, and sometimes their roles and responsibilities overlap. Parents and even teachers assume they do the same job. The truth is different. A special educator focuses on academic skills. A counsellor works on emotional and behavioural growth. Counsellors follow professional rules like confidentiality, informed consent, non-judgment, and maintaining boundaries (IACP, 2022). Special Educators do not have the same ethics requirements.
Why Schools Must Recognise the Difference
When schools mix the roles, children suffer. If a counsellor is asked to teach learning strategies, the child may not improve. If a special educator is expected to handle deep emotional trauma, the child may feel unheard. Both roles need specific training. Special educators study methods of teaching children with learning needs. Counsellors study psychology and emotional health. When each professional does their own job, the child benefits the most.
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The Way Forward
Children today face immense academic pressure, have social challenges, and emotional struggles. They need strong support systems. Both counsellors and special educators are vital. But their roles must not be blurred. Schools should create awareness. Teachers and parents should learn about the distinct contributions of both professionals. Only then can children receive full and effective support.
Conclusion
A special educator and a counsellor are like two sides of the same coin. One focuses on learning. The other focuses on emotional growth. Both are equally important. Confusing their roles does no good to the child. Understanding their qualifications, ethics, responsibilities, and overlap allows schools to give children the best support. When Special Educators and Counsellors work together, children have a better chance to succeed in learning, social life, and emotional well-being. Every child deserves both resources to excel academically and emotionally. When we understand the roles of these professionals and respect them, we give children a better chance to succeed.
References +
https://www.verywellhealth.com/individualized-education-plan-5222023
https://www.parallellearning.com/post/roles-responsibilities-of-special-education-professionals
https://iacp.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/conduct.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://rehabcouncil.nic.in/sites/default/files/NORMS_AND_REGULATIONS-for B_Ed_Spl_Ed.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
