Spanish-speaking families: Growing up, my pride in my Hispanic heritage defined much of my identity. As a proud Latina, being Argentinian was a source of immense joy and pride for me. I eagerly took any opportunity to share stories about my father’s journey from Argentina to the United States, leaving his family behind for a […]
Special Education
Posted inSpecial Education
One Size Fits All Been Trash: Curating and cultivating mastery is the new drip
Curating and cultivating mastery is like planting seeds in a garden; it requires patience, care, and a keen eye for nurturing potential. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires special education services to support learners in three specific areas: advanced educational opportunities, employment, and increased independence. As a special education teacher, As a Teacher of […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Nurturing social-emotional learning for students with autism
In the realm of education, one size certainly does not fit all. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has the opportunity to thrive. For students with autism, social-emotional learning (SEL) is not just a curriculum; it’s a lifeline – a pathway to understanding, connection, and […]
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Unlocking Potential: The Power of Whole-Body Sensory Activities in Autism Classrooms
In the bustling world of special education, where every day presents a new puzzle to solve and a fresh opportunity to empower young minds, innovation is the name of the game. As a devoted educator navigating the intricacies of an autism classroom, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to make learning not just […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Teaching with empathy to drive differentiation
Differentiation: For less than $20 an hour, I was regularly – to name a few – choked, bitten, spit on, and scratched, yet any time the words “Long-Term Substitute” were followed by “SPED” or “Emotionally Disturbed” (the diction used at the time), I accepted the position as quickly as the slowly-loading website would allow. As […]
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Give ‘Em the Razzle and Dazzle: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia and Others Too!
As educators, some of us have been taught bullying tactics disguised as responsive learner instructional practices and interventions. The infamous excessive drill and practice exercises are one of those instructional practices that we either experienced as a learner ourselves or were taught to use as a part of our teaching pedagogy. Acknowledging October as Dyslexia […]
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Special Education: As IEP Goals Evolve, So Should School Offerings
I spent one year as an instructional assistant in a life skills classroom. Our classroom had 9 students. There were many differences in our small group. The age range was between 1st and 4th graders. The needs ranged from physical to developmental. Although I have many years of experience in the field of education and […]
Posted inSpecial Education
7 Steps to College Success A Pathway for Students With Disabilities
As a special education teacher, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Elizabeth C. Hamblet’s book, “7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities” (2023). The book focuses on the transition from K-12 services to higher education services, providing a clear and concise guide to help students with disabilities navigate the process. […]