Being a special education teacher comes with unique challenges that require us to collaborate with administrators. Sometimes it’s issues that administrators may not always fully grasp. When your role feels misunderstood, it can lead to frustration and a lack of necessary support. Here are actionable strategies to help bridge the gap and foster a better understanding and how to collaborate with administrators at your school.
This post is not meant to bash administrators. I will just lay out some ideas for creating an alliance so that when you need to advocate for your students, your administrator is first in line to help.
1. Educate with Transparency
Administrators often juggle numerous responsibilities and may not have a clear picture of what your day entails. Take the initiative to provide insights into your role by:
Inviting them into your classroom: Let them observe your teaching and the individualized support you provide to students.
Sharing your caseload details: Explain the range of disabilities you work with, the IEP goals you manage, and the accommodations you provide.
Using visuals: Create a simple infographic or chart summarizing the complexity of your responsibilities.
2. Advocate for Regular Check-Ins
When you collaborate with administrators it can help them to realize how impactful periodic check-ins can be for you. Suggest scheduling brief, regular meetings to discuss challenges and successes. During these meetings, you can:
Highlight the progress your students are making.
Share data and evidence of your efforts.
Discuss specific needs, like additional resources or professional development opportunities.
3. Highlight the Importance of Collaboration
Explain how collaborative support—such as paraprofessional training, coordinated efforts with general education teachers, and involvement in IEP meetings—is vital to student success. Propose solutions like:
Joint training sessions to build mutual understanding between special and general education staff.
Clear guidelines for paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, supported by administrators.
4. Showcase the Impact of Supportive Leadership
When you collaborate with administrators it may be received well to have evidence of how their support can directly benefit the school. Share examples, such as:
Schools that reduced teacher burnout through increased staffing or additional resources.
Case studies or articles about schools thriving due to strong administrator-teacher collaboration.
5. Use Positive Framing
When addressing issues or requesting support, frame your needs in a positive way:
Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” say, “Additional paraprofessional time would allow me to focus more on instruction and student engagement.”
Instead of “Our classroom lacks resources,” say, “Here are some tools that could enhance our students’ learning and independence.”
6. Share Student Success Stories
One of the best ways to gain administrator support is to share success stories. Highlight how your efforts have positively impacted individual students and connected those successes to the broader school mission.
7. Engage in Open Communication
Encourage open and honest communication. If your administrator doesn’t understand certain aspects of your role, be patient in explaining. Offer to answer questions or provide resources that clarify their perspective. This can be one of the most major factors of being about to collaborate with administrators.
8. Be Proactive About Solutions
To show you have a positive mindset when you collaborate with administrators I recommend to come prepared with solutions when you address challenges. For example:
If you lack sufficient planning time, propose a schedule adjustment that benefits both you and the students.
If resources are scarce, recommend affordable alternatives or grants.
9. Celebrate Mutual Wins
Whenever possible, celebrate successes that involve administrative support. Publicly acknowledge their help in staff meetings or emails to reinforce the value of their involvement.
By fostering understanding and maintaining proactive communication, you can collaborate with administrators effectively so that it benefits everyone—especially your students. Remember, the key is advocating for your needs while aligning them with the broader goals of your school.
Imagine saving time, reducing stress, and having a library of ready-to-use special education resources right at your fingertips. The Teach Love Resource Membership can do just that—and it’s an excellent idea to bring to your administrator’s attention! By advocating for this affordable solution, you can demonstrate how the membership helps streamline lesson planning, provide professional-quality materials, and support your classroom goals. Administrators are often looking for ways to support their teachers while staying budget-conscious, and this membership is a cost-effective way to empower you and your colleagues.
Start the conversation with your administrator today and show them how the Teach Love Autism Resource Membership can save your team time and money while ensuring student success!
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Being a special education teacher is tough, but so rewarding.
With the “extra” time we do have, we spend it researching and writing IEPs and organizing all the things…
I absolutely love what I do, but if you’re anything like me, you know there are certain times throughout the school year when you need to re-stock on your most used items.
I call them my “must-haves.”
Your must haves can be anything from a classroom supply for your students to something you personally need to get you through that 2-hour IEP meeting (and we all know those happen). So today I am going to share my 25 must haves for any SPED teacher, whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, a self-contained teacher or co-teacher, a pre-K or high school teacher.
At the top of the list are things you can buy. You know, with money. The things at the bottom are things that have no value. You know, they’re priceless. Especially the last one.
OH YEAH… and if this post makes you want to go shopping, scroll to the bottom to access links to the items listed in this post.
This post contains affiliate links to products that might help you when teaching.
I’ve had a Scotch Thermal Laminator for a little over two years now (I actually own two), and it has been life-changing. You know those times when you need something right away Monday morning, but you don’t have time to wait 20 minutes for the school’s laminator to heat up? Then you have to cut it out, add the Velcro, and get it ready before the kids come? Yeah… get yourself a personal laminator (or two) so you can get it all done on Sunday night with all of the necessary supplies. It will change your life.
You will use this stuff for everything and anything. And I suggest buying Velcro coins so you don’t have to cut Velcro strips for tiny pieces like visual schedules and such.
Feiner Supply has the best price. I bought a 1,500 pack of Velcro hook coins and a 1,500 pack of Velcro loop coins in September… and it lasted me through the middle of December. That’s a lot of Velcro coins, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Invest in good Velcro!
I love my Erin Condren Life Planner (link)! The interchangeable covers are my new favorite thing too. I promise you that my life would be in complete chaos, and I wouldn’t be able to tell up from down without my planner. Definitely a must-have!
If you’re curious about the difference between the Life Planner and the Lesson Planner, take a look at this updated, 2020 video comparison I did just for you!
For notebooks, I really like keeping a Rocketbook with me because it makes it so easy to transfer everything online.
I could just stare at that picture for days… it is just pure teacher Heaven. Color-coded bins and any type of plastic containers are just what any SPED teacher wants and needs. Set up work task bins, organize all of your manipulatives, or use them to house snacks and other goodies. The possibilities are endless!
Snacks and Candy
This can be anything that you and your students like. Yes, YOU need to have that secret candy stash for when that IEP meeting lasts just a little too long… or your room got trashed from a meltdown. Just eat the candy, and you’ll feel better. One TwoThree Reeses cup won’t hurt!
I know that lots of other teachers will tell you no candy or treats for kids, but guess what… our kids thrive off of rewards. And, honestly, some of them are only rewardable with food. You know what’s best for your students, so if the only way a student will finish a writing activity is if you reward him with fruit snacks, well, then you’d better make sure you’re stocked up.
The Swingline low force single hole punch is my absolute favorite hole punch of all time. I bought it a few months ago when I was literally going home with muscle bruises on my palms from the old, really tough single-hole punch. This baby doesn’t hurt your palms, is super easy to punch, and will save you lots of time.
I love this one because you can do a ton of sheets at one time. It says 40 sheets, but it depends on the thickness of the paper you’re using. It’s really easy to use and helps you get things done quickly.
It’s always a good idea to have multiple pairs of adult scissors in your classroom and at home. I recommend getting a pair of nonstick scissors and a pair of spring-loaded scissors. Don’t forget; you’ll need to keep a *special* pair of scissors lying around for Velcro cutting.
You can use sheet protectors for SO many things in the classroom… and anywhere to keep you organized. Did you know they even make them with little lips on the top so your papers don’t fall out. They have been amazinggg for center work! My kids can drop them and fling them around, and the paper stays put inside Genius!
I didn’t purchase one of these until a few months ago… and I have no idea why I didn’t buy one sooner. Having a paper trimmer at home and at school has made cutting out centers and adapted books so much quicker and easier. You definitely need one of these.
I keep two sets of these white board hooks on the front whiteboard. It’s nice to hang special schedules up there for assemblies, adapted books, or anything really! You can hole punch the top corner of a baggie, store things in the baggies (like PECs or visual schedule pieces), and then hang them on the hooks.
BoardMaker
If your district doesn’t provide you with a BoardMaker CD, then they need to get on the ball and you need to tell them about it. You can use BoardMaker Online to create visuals, schedules, Core Boards… everything and anything your students will need.
This includes a wide range of things. We all know that, quite frequently, our students go in to sensory overload… and at many points throughout the day, it is smart to give a sensory break. Our kids just need it, and you’ll thank me later. You can check out my Pinterest Board for more ideas on DIY Fidgets and Sensory play. Find a list of sensory bin fillers here.
Theraputty and Play-Doh fall into this category, too, and I couldn’t live without them!
Puppets may not be the first thing you think of as a tool in the classroom, but they’re a great way to lower the threshold of participation and engagement. There’s just something about puppets that makes them easy for kids to relate to and feel comfortable with. Don’t believe me? Try them out! I think you’ll be surprised!
Again, with the organization. I use binders for so many things… Core board storage, IEP information and data collection, binder work tasks. Always keep a few different sizes lying around, too. You never know when you’ll need that 3″ binder.
Do you color-code your tasks or your students’ information? I do! Colorful file folders are a must because they help me stay on track and keep all the things organized!
I would be lying if I said I haven’t already used 100+ binder rings this school year. On what? EVERYTHING! Everything and anything to keep things organized, even on-the-go progress monitoring. Man, oh man, I should probably just buy stock in 1″ binder rings. Is that possible?
Manipulatives
These can be anything… and the kids absolutely love them. One thing I’ve found to help my lessons be successful when using manipulatives for a lesson is letting the students play (yes, PLAY) with whatever manipulative we are going to be using. I’ll set a timer for a minute or two and let the kids know that after the timer goes off, it’s time to work and no more play. Works like a charm.
Lakeshore Learning is a great place to get manipulatives (but they can be expensive, so always check Amazon).
If your school doesn’t give you access to a color printer, or you don’t have unlimited access to a color printer at school, I highly suggest purchasing a color printer. I’ve heard great things about the HP Ink program, too, but I’ve not personally given it a try.
And if you’ve not heard about HP Instant Ink, you can sign up for a free month here: FREE MONTH.
In December, I had already gone through 9 reams of white card stock. Yep, you read that correctly. NINE. You’ll use it for everything… especially with that personal laminator. So at the beginning of the year when parents ask if you need anything, your answer should always be, “Yes, white card stock please!“
Invest the time and money into creating and making valuable, workable, independent work tasks for your students. Here is a great Pinterest board to give you an idea of what work tasks are and how to build them yourself.
Need a place to store those task cards? These photo storage boxes are perfect! You can get them in different sizes and amounts depending on how many you need for your work bins.
Sometimes, you don’t want to use task bins for centers and want students to practice writing. For those instances, dry erase pouches can be a great option!
This stuff is genius! Now, it isn’t strong enough to hold weight onto your board, but it works great for cookie tray tasks and hanging papers on the front board.
I was doubtful that a magnetic shelf would be strong enough to hold my dry-erase markers and eraser, but this little one is! If your whiteboard isn’t magnetic, there’s a wall-mounted one that works great, too!
I have a color-coding addiction, and that means that the brighter the colors are, the happier I am! Astrobrights colored cardstock is a must-have for keeping everything color-coded and organized.
My students have always loved learning and working in unconventional places. Sitting under their desks? Check. Working in the classroom library? Yep! Without clipboards, they’d have a much more difficult time concentrating and getting things done. I really like this clipboard organizer for keeping them neat and tidy, too!
There have been plenty of times when I wanted to hang anchor charts or posters but didn’t have the right space to hang them. Enter magnetic curtain rods! They are a game changer for hanging things in the front of the room (hello, magnetic whiteboard!) and can be repositioned as needed.
I love all types of storage, and this 30-pocket pocket chart is one of my favorites. It makes it easy to organize everything from students’ completed work folders to organizing the paperwork I need for IEPs. I also like that it’s black so that I can use my colored folders in it, and it doesn’t clash!
If you’re allowed to have an Echo in your classroom, get one! They’re a lot of fun and can change the mood of a room in a heartbeat. Play relaxing music, get a joke of the day, or find out the weather with your handy digital assistant.
Sure, you could use your phone, but many schools frown on teachers having their cell phones out during the school day. Instead of worrying about getting in trouble (or having your phone broken!), grab an inexpensive digital timer. They’re great for keeping track of center and small group time, playing games, and more.
Let’s face it; we go through a lot of construction paper in special editions! Keeping it organized by color is easy with this construction paper storage unit!
“Junk Drawer” Kit
These are all of those little things that are helpful to have in a box in your closet. They are the things you end of needing a few times a year but are invaluable when it comes to saving your time, clothes, and sanity!
Small sewing kit
Goo-Gone
Small tool kit
Measuring tape
First Aide Kit
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Extra makeup
Brush
Hair ties
Lotion
Lip balm
Feminine hygiene products
Eye drops
Lint Roller
Plastic utensils
Batteries
Clothespins
Fishing Line
Nail file
Nail clippers
Packing tape
Eyeglass repair kit
Tide pen
A couple of plastic bags (good for putting wet or soiled shoes or clothes in)
Toothpicks
Phone charger & cord
Safety pins
Tweezers
Cotton swabs
Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen/Pepcid/Immodium/Gas-X (if you’re allowed to keep those things in your room)
Fabric softener sheets (they’re great for reducing static cling!)
Baby wipes
Contact solution and contact lens case
Spare pair of eyeglasses
Clothes
Am I suggesting you buy clothes? Well, you can interpret it that way if you want!
What I’m actually talking about is having an extra set of clothes handy in case you need to change during the school day. Trust me, sometimes things come at you, and there’s nothing you need more than a clean pair of pants and a shirt (and don’t forget the undergarments!)! I’d also suggest keeping a plastic rain poncho, a pair of rain boots, a hat, gloves, a scarf, a sweater, and an extra pair (or three!) of sunglasses in a bag in your room.
If you’re allowed to bring in your own step stool, get one that you can easily store away. You definitely don’t want your students climbing on it!
Small Vacuum and/or a Dustpan and Broom
Messes happen, and it’s not fair to leave everything for the school custodian at the end of the day. A small vacuum or even a dustpan and broom can go a long way to keeping your classroom tidy.
A Spare Car Key
Don’t worry about locking your keys in your car anymore – just keep a spare car key in your classroom! If you tend to do this quite often, you might also want to consider a AAA Membership.
Now, these are the things that cost you nothing. You may find humor in my writing about them, but in all seriousness… you need them.
Strong Stomach
You will see everything… and I mean e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. in your special needs classroom. Vomit. Boogers. Spit and drool. Poop. Yes, I said poop. Poop in the urinals, maybe on the walls. Diapers and pull-ups. G-Tubes. More vomit. And more poop. Just wait. It’s all coming your way.
Sense of Humor
Some days, you will go home so frustrated, defeated, or overwhelmed that you just want to break down and cry… and sometimes, you’ll be able to do nothing but laugh about it. For example, the day one of my students pooped in the urinal (see, I was speaking from experience!) I was mortified… but now it’s absolutely hilarious.
Supportive Administration
This is a big one because if you don’t have a supportive administration, you’re going to have a rough time. And I don’t just mean from your assistant principal and principal… you need it all the way up. It’s rare and hard to come by being a special education teacher, so if you happen to be at a school where you feel and are supported, know that you are one of the lucky ones.
A Good Mentor
Whether you’re a veteran, a newbie, or somewhere in between the two, you need a mentor. Your mentor doesn’t have to be someone at your school or in your district. It can be someone in a different state or country. But you need someone to go to when you feel overwhelmed or someone you can share the successes with! Don’t keep it all inside; there are people out there who support you!
I have found so much solace in good times and rough times in a special ed group on FB. When I feel like I’ve tried everything, I know I can always turn to this group of special people and ask their opinions. We all teach something different and we’re all in different stages of teaching, but we’re there for one another… and it really has made a world of difference.
Paraprofessionals
I. have. no. idea. what. I. would. do. without. my. paraprofessionals. Especially the one who has been with me over the last year when we lost the 2nd para in February until November when we got a new one. I probably would have gone absolutely crazy without him… and I’m sure there are times when I did go crazy. Thankfully, we have been gifted with a new para, and boy, do I ever feel lucky. So please, please, please, don’t EVER take your paraprofessionals for granted.
Do you agree with this list? What is something you couldn’t survive being a SpEd teacher without?
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Teachers, especially special education teachers, often feel pressured to work beyond their contracted hours to get everything done. However, there are effective strategies to help manage the immense workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By implementing specific techniques, teachers can complete their tasks efficiently during the school day and avoid the stress of working late. Here are some practical tips for achieving this goal.
Please Note: I know it’s never easy to balance work and home when you’re a teacher. I often struggled with this myself! The tips below really helped me manage things as best as possible, though. I hope they help you too!
Utilize Prep Time Effectively
One of the most valuable resources teachers have is their prep time. This is the designated time set aside for lesson planning, grading, and completing other important tasks. To maximize this time, it’s essential to stay organized and focused. That means no chit chatting in the copy room or scrolling on your phone – no matter how tempting it is! Be disciplined! Your 4 o’clock self will thank you!
Create a list of tasks that need to be accomplished during prep periods and prioritize them. For instance, if you know you need to write an Individualized Education Program (IEP), break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed in increments. Setting specific goals for each prep period will help you stay on track and make the most of the limited time available.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is key to managing workload effectively. Start planning for upcoming assignments or IEPs well in advance. For example, create templates for common sections of IEPs and fill them in as you gather information throughout the year. By having a framework ready, you can simply add individualized details as they come up, reducing the last-minute rush that often leads to extended work hours.
This was such a game changer for me that I created the IEP Toolkit! It lays out everything you need to write an IEP and plan the meeting for it. The IEP Writing Timeline is included in it and it breaks things down week by week so you can always stay on top of it! Check it out here!
Set Boundaries with Time Management
Establishing clear boundaries around work hours can prevent burnout and ensure you maintain a balanced life. Consider setting a strict end time for your workday. When you know that you have a finite amount of time to complete tasks, you are more likely to focus and work efficiently. Use timers or alarms to remind yourself when it’s time to wrap up for the day, helping you resist the temptation to stay late.
Limit After-School Commitments
While it’s easy to get involved in numerous after-school activities, these commitments can quickly add to your workload. Be selective about the extracurricular activities or meetings you attend. If you find that certain commitments consistently lead to extended hours, it may be worth reconsidering your participation. Focus on the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, rather than those that add stress. Remember, “No.” is a complete sentence, and it’s okay to turn down requests for your participation.
Delegate When Possible
Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues or use available resources. Collaboration can lighten the load significantly. For example, share lesson planning with fellow teachers or ask for assistance in organizing events. This not only helps manage your time but also fosters a sense of teamwork and community within your school. Don’t forget to use your para too!
Embrace Technology
Utilizing technology can streamline many tasks that traditionally consume a lot of time. Consider using educational software your school purchases and apps designed to simplify lesson planning, grading, and communication with students and parents. For instance, learning management systems can automate reminders and feedback, allowing you to focus more on teaching rather than administrative tasks. Google Forms can help you gather data and graph and organize it with relative ease. Use the tools available to you!
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Finally, prioritize self-care and ensure that your personal life is not overshadowed by work responsibilities. Engage in activities outside of school that promote relaxation and enjoyment. Whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or exercising, taking time for yourself will ultimately make you more productive during work hours. A clear separation between work and personal life can help maintain mental clarity and rejuvenate your passion for teaching.
By implementing these strategies, teachers can effectively manage their workload without extending their hours beyond what is contractually agreed upon. A focused approach, combined with thoughtful planning and self-care, will lead to a more sustainable teaching career and a more fulfilling personal life. It’s not always easy, but it can be done! I hope this helped!
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Teaching high school students with special needs requires a unique set of strategies and approaches to ensure that every student can thrive in an educational environment.
Here are 20 tips to help guide teachers in creating an effective and supportive classroom for high school special education students.
Strategies and Tips for Teaching High School Special Ed
Understand Individual Needs
Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Take the time to understand each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and specific learning requirements.
Foster Independence
Encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Teach self-advocacy skills and provide opportunities for them to make choices regarding their education. These self-advocacy resources are a huge help!
Use Community-Based Instruction
Incorporate community-based instruction (CBI) into your curriculum. This allows students to learn skills in real-world settings, such as grocery stores, libraries, and local businesses.
Create a Structured Environment
Establish clear routines and expectations. A structured classroom helps students feel secure and understand what is expected of them throughout the day.
Differentiate Instruction
Provide a range of instructional methods to cater to varying learning styles. Use visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology to engage all learners.
Incorporate Life Skills Training
Teach practical life skills that students will need after graduation, such as cooking, budgeting, and job readiness. These skills are essential for their independence. Visual recipes can help a lot in these situations because they cut down on the required reading which may be troublesome for some students.
Utilize Assistive Technology
Leverage technology to support learning. Tools like speech-to-text software, communication devices, audiobooks, and educational apps can significantly enhance student engagement and understanding.
Collaborate with Other Educators
Work closely with general education teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals to create an inclusive learning environment. Collaboration allows for sharing of resources and expertise.
Encourage Peer Interaction
Promote social skills and peer relationships by incorporating group work and collaborative projects. This helps build communication skills and fosters friendships.
Provide Frequent Feedback
Regularly assess student progress and provide constructive feedback. This helps students understand their strengths and areas that need improvement, keeping them motivated.
Involve Families
Engage families in the educational process by providing regular updates on student progress and inviting them to participate in meetings regarding their child’s IEP.
Offer Job Shadowing Opportunities
Facilitate job shadowing experiences for students to explore potential career paths. This hands-on experience can help them understand the expectations of various professions.
Implement a Daily Schedule
Create a visual schedule that outlines the day’s activities. This provides clarity and helps students anticipate transitions throughout the day.
Encourage Student Participation
Involve students in planning their learning experiences. Allow them to suggest topics or activities they are interested in exploring.
Be Patient and Flexible
Understand that learning takes time, especially for students with special needs. Be prepared to adjust your teaching methods based on student responses and needs.
Use Positive Behavior Support
Implement positive behavior interventions to encourage appropriate behaviors in the classroom. Recognizing and rewarding positive actions can motivate students to succeed.
Incorporate Guest Speakers
Invite guest speakers from various professions to share their experiences with students. This can inspire students and provide insights into different career paths.
Promote Volunteer Opportunities
Encourage students to engage in volunteer work within the community. This not only helps them develop skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Create a Safe Learning Environment
Ensure that your classroom is a safe space where all students feel respected and valued. Address bullying promptly and promote inclusivity among peers.
Continually Educate Yourself
Stay informed about best practices in special education by attending workshops, reading relevant literature, and participating in professional development opportunities.
Must-Have Supplies for Teaching High School Special Education
In addition to the tips above, having the items below can also make it easier for you to teach and your students to learn! There are affiliate links below to the items mentioned that might make it easier for you to teach.
3-Ring Binders
Binders are essential for organizing various materials such as lesson plans, student assignments, and administrative documents. Using different colored binders for different subjects or purposes can make navigation easier and help maintain an organized system within the classroom.
Sheet Protectors
These transparent sleeves are perfect for keeping important documents safe from wear and tear, allowing for repeated use. Utilizing sheet protectors for student medical information, lesson plans, or frequently referenced materials can ensure that they remain pristine and accessible throughout the school year.
Laminator and Laminating Sheets
A laminator is a valuable tool for preserving documents and making them durable, which is ideal for items that need to be reused or displayed. By laminating visual aids, flashcards, or interactive materials, you can extend their lifespan and enhance classroom activities. Check out the video below for some of my best laminating tips and tricks!
Trays for Student Work Submission
Providing designated areas for students to submit their work keeps the classroom organized and reduces clutter. Labeling trays by class period or subject streamlines the process of collecting assignments and helps students know exactly where to place their completed work.
Hanging File Folder System
This system allows you to keep track of work for absent students, making it easier for them to catch up when they return. Creating a folder for each student with their name on it can facilitate organization and ensure that all missed assignments are readily available.
Paper Trays
Vertical storage solutions like paper trays help organize papers that need to be distributed or filed later, saving space in the classroom. Using different trays for various types of materials (e.g., worksheets, tests, handouts) maintains organization and makes it easier to locate necessary documents.
Motivational Items
Small rewards can significantly boost motivation and engagement among students, especially those who may struggle with staying focused. Keeping a stash of these items (i.e. – candy, water bottle stickers, etc.) in your desk allows you to use them as incentives for completing tasks or displaying positive behavior.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are essential for art projects, visual aids, and hands-on learning activities that enhance creativity in the classroom. Investing in a class set ensures that every student has access to these supplies, fostering collaboration and creative expression in group projects. Besides, a lot of kids just love to color and draw and colored pencils are a great supply for having on hand so they can do so.
Pencil Sharpener
A reliable sharpener is crucial for maintaining writing tools in good condition, ensuring that students can always participate in activities without interruptions. Consider a heavy-duty electric sharpener that can efficiently handle high usage and minimize downtime during lessons.
Class Set of Clipboards
Clipboards provide a portable writing surface that makes it easier for students to work in different environments, such as the classroom, hallway, or outdoors. Using clipboards during group work or outdoor activities allows for flexibility in learning settings and encourages active participation.
Heavy-Duty Hole Puncher
A high-capacity hole punch saves time when organizing large amounts of paper, ensuring everything is neatly compiled in binders. Keeping this tool accessible at your desk allows you to handle paper organization efficiently throughout the day instead of bringing it home with you!
Extra Art Supplies
Having a variety of art supplies available encourages creativity and can be integrated into lessons to support diverse learning styles. Stocking up on markers, crayons, and other supplies at the beginning of the year when they’re often on sale can ensure that you have enough materials for various projects.
Visual Aids and Charts
These tools help reinforce learning concepts through visual representation to support your visual learners. Creating a visual schedule for the classroom can help students understand daily routines and expectations more clearly.
Assistive Technology Tools
Devices or software that assist with learning can significantly benefit students with disabilities by providing alternative methods of engagement. Researching available resources through your school district or local organizations may uncover grants or lending programs for technology that can enhance the classroom experience.
Calm Down Tools (e.g., stress balls, fidget toys)
These tools help students manage anxiety and improve focus by providing sensory feedback during lessons. They’re not just for students in elementary or middle school! Designating a specific area in the classroom where students can request these tools as needed allows them to self-regulate without disrupting class activities.
Storage Boxes or Bins
Storage containers keep supplies organized and easily accessible while minimizing clutter in the classroom environment. Labeling each box with its contents (e.g., art supplies, manipulatives) ensures that students can quickly find what they need without wasting time searching. Label, label, label!
By incorporating these tips into your teaching practice and having a classroom equipped with the necessary supplies, you will create a more effective and supportive learning environment for high school special education students. It will help them achieve their fullest potential and make teaching easier for you!
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Teachers are always learning and are always searching for new strategies, instructional methodology, and ideas to help their students learn.
Sure, we have professional development sessions provided by the districts and schools we work for… but they aren’t always geared towards special education teachers. Or it’s a slideshow that’s repeated each year.
Thankfully there are dozens of national and international conferences that are held every year, and are geared towards special needs teachers, parents, and professionals.
Below are a few conferences for special ed teachers, linked with descriptions, that are recommended by fellow special education teachers.
Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and healthcare providers who represent children with disabilities.
IDEAS provides high-quality professional learning environments through workshops, sessions, and networking related to teaching students with disabilities.
Come collectively focus on common concerns and share proven solutions that address issues and challenges experienced by individuals with autism, sensory disabilities, and low-incidence disabilities across their lifespan.
Committed to increasing the performance of students with disabilities, thereby enhancing their ability to graduate and achieve productive post-secondary outcomes.
The Autism Conference provides comprehensive, evidence-based information to assist educators, other professionals, and families in developing effective educational programming for all students with autism spectrum disorders.
Deepen your assistive technology knowledge and strengthen your implementation strategies. The conference week is designed to dig deeper into critical areas that have the power—when implemented strategically—to transform your classroom, your school, your district, your practice.
The NDSC cares deeply about serving the needs of all families, including those with loved ones with co-occurring autism, autism-like behaviors, or complex needs. Includes sessions like “Adult Siblings Track” and “Film Festival”.
Stock up on top tips, simple strategies, and new digital tools for teaching Pre-K, handwriting, and keyboarding. Workshops include free materials and easy plans that are ready for first-day-of-school implementation.
The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (GTF) is a professional development program for pre-K–12 educators, created by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. Selected educators participate in immersive voyages, gaining hands-on experience to enhance their teaching. Over two years, Fellows serve as ambassadors for National Geographic’s initiatives, fostering geographic awareness and inspiring students to engage with global challenges.
RCA EXP is an immersive professional development experience designed for educators to observe classes and participate in engaging workshops. Participants learn strategies to inspire a passion for learning, support student success, and foster positive relationships within the school community. The program combines classroom observations with hands-on learning, providing attendees with the motivation and tools needed to return to their own classrooms energized and equipped for the challenges they face.
The Responsive Classroom one-day workshop focuses on enhancing communication skills among students and teachers. Participants assess and reflect on their teaching methods while learning strategies to promote active listening, purposeful questioning, and respectful disagreements. The goal is to improve teacher language that fosters deeper academic engagement and supports effective communication in the classroom.
Kagan Professional Development offers engaging training opportunities for educators focused on enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Utilizing research-based Kagan Structures, the program provides strategies that foster active participation and cooperative learning in the classroom. With workshops, academies, and coaching available, Kagan aims to support teachers in implementing effective instructional practices tailored to diverse learning needs. The organization operates both nationally and internationally, providing resources and support to educators worldwide.
What other conferences have you attended that you would recommend to other teachers?
Have you attended one of these conferences and loved it?! Share your experiences in the comments below!
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Are you doing enough active listening activities with your students? Active listening is a crucial skill that helps students engage more fully in their learning experiences. It involves not just hearing words but understanding, interpreting, and responding to them.
Active Listening Activities for the Classroom MDC
Active listening fosters better communication, enhances comprehension, and promotes a supportive classroom environment – all things that are very important for special ed students! Here, we explore ten fun activities that encourage active listening among students, making learning interactive and enjoyable for both students and their teacher (that’s you!)!
Why Active Listening Matters
Active listening is essential for several reasons.
It Improves Communication Skills
Students who practice active listening develop better communication abilities, which are vital for academic success and social interactions.
Enhances Comprehension
When students listen actively, they are more likely to understand and remember information, leading to improved academic performance.
Builds Empathy
By paying attention to others, students learn to appreciate different perspectives and develop empathy toward their peers.
Promotes Classroom Engagement
Activities that require active listening keep students engaged and focused, creating a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Must-Try Active Listening Activities
Now, let’s explore some fun and engaging activities that can help students practice active listening skills.
Simon Says
In this classic game, the teacher gives instructions starting with “Simon says,” and students must follow those directions only when prefaced by that phrase. This game not only encourages students to listen attentively but also helps them practice following directions accurately. It can be made more challenging by increasing the complexity of commands or introducing physical activities. Simon Says was always one of my students’ favorites!
Story Circle
In a story circle, students sit in a circle, and the teacher starts a story with one sentence. Each student takes turns adding a sentence to build the story. This activity requires students to listen carefully to what their peers say to ensure continuity and coherence in the narrative. It fosters creativity while reinforcing the importance of paying attention to details. Some students struggle with this so make sure you let them know that even a short sentence is fine.
Whisper Chain
Also known as “Telephone,” this game involves whispering a message from one student to another until it reaches the last person in line. The goal is to see how accurately the message is conveyed by the end. This activity highlights the importance of clear communication and attentive listening, as messages can easily become distorted if not carefully passed along. Incorporate this game into a lesson about how details of events in history are often skewed after much retelling.
Sound Scavenger Hunt
In this sensory activity, students close their eyes and listen for specific sounds in the classroom or outdoors. After a few minutes of focused listening, they report what they heard. This activity sharpens auditory discrimination skills and encourages mindfulness as students tune into their environment. This is a great calm down activity!
Follow the Rhythm
The teacher claps a simple rhythm, and students must listen carefully to repeat it accurately. This activity can be varied by introducing different rhythms or adding movements to accompany the clapping. It helps students develop concentration and improves their memory and coordination. I liked to do this one during circle time each morning.
Guess the Sound
In this fun activity, teachers can play recordings of various sounds such as animals, vehicles, or household items. Students then identify these sounds based on their listening skills. This activity not only sharpens auditory recognition but also engages students in critical thinking as they deduce what they hear.
Drawing from Description
In this creative exercise, the teacher describes a simple picture while students draw what they hear without seeing the original image. Afterward, students can share their drawings with the class. This activity emphasizes careful listening and interpretation and allows for artistic expression.
Musical Statues
Students dance while music plays but must freeze when it stops. They must listen carefully for the change in music to react promptly. This fun game keeps students active while honing their listening skills and self-control.
Listen and Act
In this activity, the teacher gives a series of simple instructions for students to follow in order (e.g., “Stand up, touch your nose, and sit down”). This task encourages attentive listening, as students must remember and execute multiple directions correctly.
Story Comprehension
Reading a short story aloud and then asking students questions about the details reinforces their listening skills. This activity ensures that students are engaged with the material and helps teachers assess comprehension levels. Be sure to use this one strategically as you want to have read aloud times be fun and simply for enjoyment as well.
Incorporating active listening activities into the classroom not only makes learning enjoyable but also equips students with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. By engaging in these fun exercises, students learn to listen attentively, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse perspectives—all vital components of successful learning and collaboration.
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Who doesn’t love a good seasonal craft?! As a school-based occupational therapist (OT), I LOVE a good craft. Simply Special Ed has so many adorable, easy-to-use and super engaging visual crafts that I love to use. They are especially engaging and motivating for my students in self-contained classrooms. I love how easy they are to adapt/differentiate based on student’s strengths and needs. This blog is designed to help you work smarter, not harder while you and your students enjoy some fun visual crafts for the winter season!
Prep Once & Reuse!
With 60-90 students on my caseload at any given time, I love to have things ready to go and easily prepped! I tend to keep parts of the visual crafts from year to year. I review a craft and laminate parts that seem reusable. For example, the visual directions or the material list. Students can check things off with a dry erase marker. Some of my students don’t collect their own materials, so this sheet isn’t needed for every student. I sometimes even laminate and use velcro on the sequencing pages to reuse!
Materials Checklist [laminate & dry erase OR one for each student]
Craft Sentence (Cut & Paste) [print]
Sequencing Worksheets [laminate & use velcro OR one for each student]
“Let’s Review” Survey [print – I like to send these home to families!]
Target Goals with Crafts!
School-based OTs work on a variety of things [check out this blog to see what a “day in the life” could look like!], but many of them could be addressed while working on visual crafts! For example, crafts address:
As pictured above, this craft can address a student is writing on handwriting or copying skills! With legibility components related to a 3 lined paper structure as part of the goal, I added lines to the sequencing sheet. There is an option to cut and paste the steps, but it can easily be adapted! I love how easily everything can be up- or down-graded to meet the needs of all students!
Most of the crafts involve scissor skills as well. I love the shape reindeer because it can be used for progress monitoring as many of my kiddos have goals to cut developmental shapes! There are a variety of shapes, sizes and complexities to meet the need of all the students. I might even have students work together to complete the task and assign roles based on their goal areas.
Co-treat with Speech Therapists!
There are so many skills built into these activities! As they say, many hands make light work. It just makes sense to utilize these visual crafts in a “co-treat” setting. Lately, I have been collaborating with our behavior specialist on cooking and craft groups monthly in our autistic support classrooms! Just because these visual crafts are for “December” doesn’t mean you can use some of them throughout the other winter months. Also check out the January visual crafts or the year-long bundle!
My speech therapist colleagues love the “Let’s Review” Survey that comes with each craft! It is an easy way for them to target comprehension goals. I love to send it home with the craft so that parents can see what the student did and their thoughts on it! Historically, I have run a “Friday group” with the speech therapist in my multiple disabilities support (MDS) and/or autistic support classrooms using many of these resources. This works for all levels! My high school self contained students LOVE these crafts, and the visual directions with real pictures make it easy for them to be independent. We love to target problem solving and functional communication [asking for materials] through these types of projects! The possibilities are endless!
Most self-contained classroom schedules include calendar time. It is a time when students practice the functional skill of reading a calendar and making connections with the real world. This is also a great time to introduce math skills! In this blog post, I share how I teach calendar math in a self-contained classroom.
What is Calendar Math?
Calendar math is a routine that develops math skills using a calendar. In addition to learning the days, months, and year, math concepts that can be covered during this time include counting, number sense, and patterns.
How I Teach Calendar Math
There are many ways in which calendar math can be taught. Prior to starting calendar math, it is important to determine the math concepts that is appropriate for students in your self-contained classroom. Additionally, it is equally as important to make sure calendar math fits in your schedule as a daily routine. This allows math concepts to be practiced repeatedly and built upon itself. Below are three activities that I do when I teach calendar math in my self-contained classroom.
While establishing the date, we go through the days of the week, months of the year, and count out the date (e.g., 16 for February 16). In order to promote the math concept of number sense, we practice counting forward and backward.
Place Value
I also count the number of days in school during calendar time. I use tangible manipulatives to help students visualize place values.
Pattern Recognition
Calendar time offers a great opportunity to teach the math concept of patterns (e.g., ABAB, AABB, etc.). I assign an element of our pattern to each calendar day. For instance, in an ABAB pattern, I will alternate between a heart and a triangle each day of the month. As a class, we will discuss and predict the upcoming element in our pattern.
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Choosing the best field trips for your self-contained classroom can seem daunting. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of 10 field trips that work for self-contained classrooms! Please keep in mind your students’ goals, the needed support, and, most importantly, their safety during the trip.
1. Local Park
Each fall, my classroom takes a field trip to one of the local parks nearby. It’s a quick 10-minute bus ride to the park. Our park has handmade gnome homes hidden throughout the park. We work with an outside agency to target literacy-based goals with the students. They each choose a book or two on their reading level, search for the gnome homes, and read to the gnomes! We also make pinecone bird feeders, have a picnic lunch, learn about our Free Little Library, make s’mores, and have a dance party! You can really get creative with activities to do at a park!
2. Grocery Store
A great community-based field trip for your self-contained class is visiting a grocery store. Grocery store field trips can work on a myriad of goals for your students. Is your class working on cooking, recipes, or creating shopping lists? Maybe your student is working on money exchange and needs real-life practice. You might have students who need more practice with communication or social skills with new people in a novel environment. Whatever the case, a grocery store field trip is a win!
Restaurants are an amazing place to promote independence in your students. From making a meal choice, communicating that choice to restaurant staff, table manners, and exchanging money, your students will be able to generalize skills they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world experiences.
4. Fire Station
Your students would be sure to love a trip to the local fire station! They will learn about fire safety, see a firefighter in all of their gear so they won’t be scared to see them in an emergency, try on the gear themselves, and maybe get to sit in the trucks!
5. Children’s Museum
Looking for a place for your students to explore interests and facilitate independent and creative play? Look no further than a children’s museum! These field trips are great for collaborative play and practicing skills prior to generalizing them to real-world experiences!
6. Sensory-Friendly Movie
Do your students enjoy movies but aren’t quite ready for the stimulating atmosphere of a typical movie night? Try taking them to a sensory-friendly showing of a movie at a local theater. Most theaters offer this experience; you may just need to reach out to the box office or sales team. You can also find information for these movies on the AMC Theater Website or even on the Regal Website.
7. Zoo or Aquarium
Are your students obsessed with animals or ocean life? Then you may be looking to take them on a trip to a zoo or aquarium! Many of these places offer hands-on experiences, as well as staff to teach students about the animals and their habitats. This field trip is sure to be a hit!
Many bowling alleys offer sensory-friendly experiences for our students. The lights dim, and the music is off. Bowling is a great way for students to learn a new game, taking turns, counting, and rule-following.
Do your students have a lot of energy to get out? Do your students like to jump, bounce, roll, and flip? You may be looking for a trip to a trampoline park! Trampoline parks are another field trip destination that offer sensory-friendly experiences.
10. Farm, Pumpkin Patch, Apple Orchard
Finally, a potentially seasonal yet fun field trip to round out our list. A pumpkin patch or apple orchard! There are so many fun activities to do at these places like petting zoos, pumpkin or fruit picking, tire slides, corn mazes, corn pits, and so much more! If a pumpkin patch or orchard is out of season, a trip to a local farm would be a great substitute! Your students can learn about planting and harvesting crops, why the animals on the farm are important, and why farmers themselves are important to our economy!
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Extended School Year (ESY), aka summer school, can be extremely beneficial for students with special needs. It allows them to continue to follow a daily routine and prevents them from the dreaded “summer slide”. Here are some tips for what content teachers can cover in ESY, as well as how to collect data on student progress.
Image from myprivateprofessor.com
Review routines and procedures
In my opinion, the best way to start off ESY, especially if you are starting with a new class or have any new students, is to review school rules, procedures, and expectations. Typically, students attending ESY will have at least a week or two off after the regular school year ends. The first few days/the first week is a great time to review daily expectations for students.
This review doesn’t have to be boring, especially if you have the same students that you had all year. There are games you can play, such as this fun review game that is jeopardy style. For younger students, using social stories, like this one from SSE, can also be an engaging way to review expectations. You can also have students play file folder games to practice sequencing when it comes to following school rules.
It’s also a great idea to go over class and individual schedules for students so they have an idea of what to expect during the day. Some ESY programs are half days, some are full days, and it can look different from the regular school year. Schedules like this one from SSE can limit uncertainty for students.
Review academic material from the school year and do fun activities
ESY is mainly for students to not regress on gains they made during the school year. Personally, I do not teach any new content during ESY and instead use it as a time to review. Again, this does not have to be boring. I try to make it as engaging as possible for my students, since I know they would rather not be at school while other kids are off for the summer.
For the past three summers, I have based my ESY lesson planning off of the “national days”. Every day of the year is a national day for something, and during the summer, I try to base the day’s activities off of a fun national day. For example, August 6th is national root beer float day. On that day, we make root beer floats and do this fun states of matter activity to go along with it. It can also be as basic as having students work on a snake themed skip counting paper in math for national snake day. For national gummy worm day, we do an activity where students measure gummy worms before and after they are stretched and find the difference. You can find a list of the national days on the National Today website.
Focus on IEP goals and monitor progress
ESY is the perfect time to focus on IEP goals and make sure students have progress monitoring completed for the upcoming school year. Students can work in goal bins, which are bins (or folders, binders, etc.) that have ready to go activities that target their goal. I set aside about 20-25 minutes a day during ESY called “goal time” where students can work from their bins. You can read more about how to set up goal bins in this SSE blog post.
I prefer digital paperwork vs. physical copies, so if you’re like me, this IEP data tracking google slides form is a great way to house all of your students and their goals in one place. If students have a goal that needs to be monitored weekly, I will pull them every Friday to give them a quick assessment and mark their progress here. I do the same thing for bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals. If you prefer paper copies, you could always print a physical copy of this tracking form, or use something like this to keep in a binder for each student.
ESY doesn’t need to be stressful for students or teachers! It can be a time to really get to know your students, do activities that you may not have had time for during the regular school year, review expectations, and monitor progress. Doing these things well will help ensure that students keep growing academically and socially.
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Genius!
