Archive for the ‘Special Education’ Category

Traditionally, special education is much-neglected and not much thought of sector in India. In most cases, the responsibility of educating and nurturing the talents of a visually or mentally challenged child rests solely upon the parents. This is unlike the western countries where special education as a branch of study and career is given due care and attention. Times are, however, changing in Indian scenario also. A number of special schools and institutes have opened up across the country and the best possible education is now available to disadvantaged students. Professionally qualified special educators undertake this challenging task. A large number of grants and subsidies are also available to the sector.

Areas of work
Special education is a vast, varied and specialized field. Educators generally choose to specialise in a specific area of work and gain further knowledge and experience in that field. Options available for specialization include:

* Physically challenged students
* Mentally challenged students
* Hearing impaired students
* Visually challenged students

Role of Special Educators
One of the foremost requirements of a special educator in the field is to have infinite patience and ability to connect with children of special needs. Unlike teachers in mainstream education who are largely involved with teaching and evaluation alone, that too as per a standard format and definition, the special educators have several responsibilities. Teaching does form an important part of the special educator’s job. In addition to teaching, the educator is involved in extra curricular, vocational and sports-related activities. Many a time, children with special needs and parents also look upon special educators as counselors. A large number of special educators possess degrees in child psychology, counseling and social work. Often they are involved in training parents and volunteers.

Development of curriculum is also not standardised as in regular schools. Hence, special educators are actively involved in developing and revising curriculum. Syllabus may be tailored to suit the needs of individual students in some cases. Educational aids become crucial in special education. The development, purchase and review of such aids also fall within the duties of the educator. In short the role of special educator is much larger and with greater responsibility than that of a standard teacher.

The Workplace
Special educators work largely in educational or medical set-ups. Openings are available in special schools run by various societies such as the Spastic Society of India or those run by central government or various state governments, a large number of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the area, hospitals & clinics, rehabilitation centers as also as private sector as teachers.

Modeling is one of the most fascinating career options and extremely popular among youngsters. Known for its glamour and competition, Modeling is an exciting as well as lucrative profession dominated by women. Career in modeling offer good earnings and instant popularity are the main advantages. As Modeling is also considered as a gateway for entry to the film industry, the competition in the modeling career is also high although there is constant demand for fresh faces to launch and promote various branded products. This glamorous field offers opportunities to travel and meet different classes of people.

Opportunities in India:

Nowadys, modeling is one of the most popular career options in India. And a career in modeling doesn’t demand high educational qualifications. Physical appearance is more important. Modeling in India is mainly categorized into advertising modeling, print modeling, showroom modeling, television modeling, still modeling , ramp/live modeling, etc. The job opportunities are available in product advertising, live fashion shows, music videos, in garment fairs and acting in television programs or films.

Keeping in mind the passion  for modeling career, various institutes have started offering modeling courses in India . They generally provide instructions on make-up, diet and exercise, beauty care, hair styling, how to walk and many more.

Before staring a career in modeling, one must know all the details about this profession.This profession needs dedication, lot of hard work and positive attitude for being successful. It is a short-term and highly competitive career. Modeling requires a lot of patience and stamina. The models have to face a very hectic schedule and physical and mental stress.

Important Modeling agencies in India

There are several modeling agencies in India that can give a good chance to start the career in modeling. Some of the popular modeling agencies in India are Face 1, Ozone Models Management, The Tina Factor,  Mayrose Management Services in Mumbai, Platinum Models, Glitz, Catwalk, The Ramp, The Bridge in New Delhi, Aditi Modeling Service in Bangalore, Passion EC 191 in Kolakata and Profilez Estd. in Hyderabad.

The survey has said that majority of Indian employers have reported an improvement in career advancement opportunities over the last 12 months.

A dominant 60 per cent of the surveyed companies have reported that career advancement opportunities for their employees have improved over the last 12 months.
While 40 per cent of the surveyed companies opined that career advancement opportunities had remained the same. Most importantly, this ‘employer opinion’ was endorsed by 58 per cent of Indian employees, evidencing a conclusive agreement that Indian employers are taking active steps towards offering advancement opportunities to their employees. The survey aimed at capturing the current global landscape of rewards and talent management brings out a scenario, which is quite encouraging for employers and employees in India alike.

Commenting on the global, regional and India specific inferences of the survey, Towers Watson India MD Dhritiman Chakrabarti said, “The impact of the recessionary environment was less harsh on India Inc and consequently on the Indian workforce, but what is important to note is the studied and measured response of corporate India to the slowdown as compared to the rest of world and the Asia Pacific region in particular.

Equally important, on a comparative note, is the affirmative and buoyant sentiment that has been expressed by corporate India, be it in terms of job security, skill development or opportunities to earn higher levels of compensation.”

The “compensation element” which hitherto is popularly considered as the prime motivator for employees, is another parameter where Indian employers score better.
While only 37 per cent of employers in the Asia Pacific region believe they provide their employees an opportunity to earn higher levels of compensation, around 54 per cent employers in India, which incidentally is the highest number within the Asia Pacific region, felt likewise.

An impressive 64 per cent of Indian employers surveyed believe to a great extent that optimal opportunities are available to their employees to rapidly develop skills and abilities, as against a 49 per cent Asia Pacific average.