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Category: Blog

Blog, Special Education Tips, Tips for New Teachers, Working with Paraprofessionals

Teacher and Paraprofessional Communication: 7 Strategies That Work in a Self-Contained Classroom

Special education teacher and paraprofessional reviewing a classroom binder.

Teacher and paraprofessional communication can make or break a special education classroom. When it works, your students get the same strategies and the same expectations all day. When it breaks down, they notice right away. Your para is your eyes and ears in and out of the classroom. Here is what I do to keep that partnership strong. 1. Put Your Expectations in a Binder Paras are usually asked to come in for one or two days during pre-planning. That is when I meet with mine to go over expectations and student needs. The meeting lasts at least an hour, longer if a student has more needs or if I have a new para. I also hand them a binder with all of that information. It covers roles and responsibilities, how I like…

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Blog, Classroom management, Special Education Tips, Teacher Organization

Small Special Education Classroom Organization & Space-Saving Ideas

As a special education teacher, you know the challenges of creating a functional and organized classroom, especially when space is limited, which often is applicable to us. Balancing the need for various learning stations, sensory areas, and storage can be overwhelming.  Here are five practical solutions to help you make the most of your small special education classroom and keep it organized and functional. 1. Multi-Use Furniture In a small classroom, every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. Multi-use furniture is a game-changer for small special education classroom organization. Consider adding items like foldable tables and storage ottomans. A few examples of multi-use furniture: Foldable Tables: These can be set up during activities requiring more workspace and folded away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. For instance, during…

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Blog, Classroom management, Special Education, Special Education Tips, Tips for New Teachers

Classroom Jobs for Special Education: 40 Ideas That Build Independence

Classroom jobs for special education

If you’ve ever assigned a student a “job” and watched them stare at you like you spoke a different language, you know classroom jobs aren’t as plug-and-play as Pinterest makes them look. In a special education setting, a job isn’t just a task on a chart. It’s a chance for a student to practice following directions, staying on a routine, and feeling like they contributed to something. That’s very important! Here’s what classroom jobs in special education actually do for our students, why the list matters less than the system behind it, and 40 job ideas you can pull from right now. Why Classroom Jobs in Special Education Classrooms Matter Classroom jobs give students a reason to practice skills we’re already targeting. A few things they build: None of that happens automatically just…

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Blog, IEP Resources, IEP Tips, Special Education, Special Education Resources, Special Education Tips, Tips for New Teachers

Sharing IEPs with Special Area Teachers (without Making it a Whole thing)

Sharing IEPs with special area teachers is one of those tasks that feels bigger than it should. You’re already managing your own caseload, so the goal is to make this process simple, sustainable, and actually useful for the teachers receiving it. Here’s why it matters: when a PE teacher or art teacher understands a student’s accommodations and goals, they’re better equipped to support them in the moment. That means fewer emails asking what to do and more consistency across the student’s day. Go Digital Use Google Drive or a shared folder to store IEP documents in one central location. Keep it organized by student and update it whenever an IEP is revised. When teachers know exactly where to look, you stop answering the same questions repeatedly. Create a One-Page Summary A quick-reference sheet…

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Blog, Special Education, Special Education Tips, Teacher Organization, Tips for New Teachers

10 Open House Station Ideas for Special Education Classrooms

As a special educator, I understand the importance of creating an inclusive and engaging environment for both students and their families. One powerful strategy that has proven successful in fostering connections and showcasing the unique learning experiences in my classroom is implementing station rotations during Open House, Back to School Night, Curriculum Night, Meet the Teacher, or any special education parent night events. Here are 10 Open House stations for special education classrooms: Communication Station One of the most useful Open House stations for special education is the Communication Station, which focuses on communication tools and strategies. Share the methods you use to keep parents informed about their child’s academic progress and/or development, and how often you plan to communicate through these methods. This could include communication logs, take-home folders, newsletters, and digital…

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Blog, IEP Resources, IEP Tips, Special Education, Special Education Resources, Special Education Tips, Teacher Organization, Tips for New Teachers

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting (And Actually Feel Ready)

Knowing how to prepare for an IEP meeting isn’t something anyone really teaches you. You figure it out through trial, error, and a lot of stress. This is the system that takes most of that stress off the table. The IEP Forms Bundle gives you five forms that work together across the entire IEP cycle – from the moment a meeting gets scheduled to the day after it wraps up. Here’s exactly how to use each one. Step 1: Start with the IEP Meeting Checklist The moment the meeting is scheduled, open (or print) the checklist. Not two days out. Right away. The checklist is your preparation guide. Review it every single day leading up to the meeting so nothing slips through the cracks – a missing interpreter, an uninvited general ed teacher,…

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Blog, Special Education Tips, Teacher Organization, Tips for New Teachers

Ten Awesome Back to School Tips for Teachers

10 Awesome Back to School Tips for Teachers blog post cover

Depending on where you are, summer is over or almost over, and I’ve got some great back-to-school tips for teachers to help you start this upcoming school year right. Back-to-school season can be nerve-wracking for some teachers, especially if this is your first year or you are new to a school. It can also feel like that if you are not as organized as you would like. Most schools plan several events to accommodate the various needs of parents; these events might be Back to School Night, Meet the Teacher, Orientation, and Open House. No matter what grade level you teach or what your school or district calls these events, I’m sure you will find some of these back to school tips for teachers helpful.  1. Setup event stations Meet the Teacher, Back-to-School…

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Blog, Special Education Tips, Tips for New Teachers, Working with Paraprofessionals

Working with Paraprofessionals in SpEd: Best Practices

Working with paraprofessionals: best practices

Navigating the dynamic landscape of special education requires effective teamwork, and working with paraprofessionals is a key component to ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. As educators dedicated to supporting students with diverse needs, we understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork in creating inclusive learning environments. One of the invaluable resources we have at our disposal is the support of paraprofessionals. These dedicated professionals are vital in providing individualized assistance and fostering student success. Detailed below are ten best practices for working effectively with paraprofessionals. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, these strategies will help you harness the full potential of your paraprofessional team. Note: My perspective may be different from others as I was a para before becoming a teacher. That experience has changed…

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