Eripedagoogiga

Eripedagoogiga is a term used in Estonian pedagogy to refer to education conducted with a special education pedagogue (eripedagoog). The comitative suffix -iga forms phrases meaning “with” or “together with,” so eripedagoogiga literally means “with a special education pedagogue.” In practice, it describes collaboration between a student and a specialist or the presence of a special education teacher in a classroom or support setting.

Within Estonia’s inclusive education framework, eripedagoogiga often denotes a co-teaching arrangement or direct support provided by the eripedagoog in the general education classroom, in dedicated sessions, or in assessment and planning meetings.

Roles of the eripedagoog include assessment, adapting materials, implementing individualized instruction, supporting classroom management for students with special needs, and coordinating with families and teachers. The exact model depends on the student’s education plan and local practice.

Not a separate profession but a designation of collaborative work, the term is primarily used in Estonian-language educational discourse. It is related to inclusive education, early identification, individualized education programs, and collaborative teaching (co-teaching).

In usage, eripedagoogiga emphasizes partnership and tailored support rather than a fixed, isolated role, reflecting broader trends toward collaborative approaches in schooling.