As a special education teacher, parent and graduate student, I find that how I communicate is just as important as what I communicate. For many parents of students receiving special education services, just walking through the school doors can be an intimidating experience surrounded by a feeling of anxiety. How we set the tone for […]

Ever hear the saying “work smart, not hard”? Well, collaboration and teaming are ways of doing just that. The essential meaning of both of these terms is more than one professional working together to serve the needs of clients. In a school setting, these clients are our students, and the professionals include a variety of […]

In recent years, peer-mediated instruction and intervention (PMII) has emerged as a fruitful evidence-based practice in special education. In this approach, general education peers are trained by a social worker, teacher or other adult facilitator to provide mediation in social interactions and group learning, and tutoring in mild behavioral concerns. PMII may appear in a […]

I quickly dart out of my classroom and race to the copier before my next class begins. The hallway is clear with the exception of a few students who are reading to each other out in the hall. I stop to greet them and then proceed to the teacher’s room, as I am clearly on […]

Having completed a few hundred IEP (individualized education plan) meetings between yearly meetings, initial IEP meetings and revision meetings, I’ve learned that you have to be prepared for anything. Sometimes, however, the meeting may not go the way you expect, no matter how prepared you are. While the majority of IEP meetings run smoothly, it […]

“Much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word “retard(ed).” This statement is from R-Word: Spread the Word to End the Word, a website and campaign formed by Special Olympics. This cause represents years of advocacy on the part of individuals, families, educators and others concerned with transforming how […]

Sitting at the table, I carefully unpack my lunch bag examining the contents inside: salad, sliced cheese, yogurt, almonds, a granny smith apple and water. Same as yesterday, and the day before, yet I go through this ritual everyday. Glancing up, I make sure to greet the last few students trickling in. The students naturally […]

Starting a new teaching job is an exciting time, but can be stressful. Here are a few tips to help ease the transition into the special education world. Build a reward system. A strong set of rules and consequences is important in a special education classroom, as is a reward system. My students really like […]

Dealing with misbehavior in the classroom can be daunting. Handling all-out tantrums (e.g., screaming, meltdowns, throwing oneself on the floor) is complicated, and unfortunately kids in special education classes may be more prone to these outbursts. This is often the case when the special education placement is due to emotional reasons. Whatever the reason, when […]