I remember the days in the 1960’s and 70’s when Special Education was not even a word, and anyone that had disabilities was rarely seen or heard. I’m so thankful today that we have so many programs that help students with disabilities, but as state budgets get tighter, the push for more special support staff reduction […]
Special Education
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Special Education, Uncategorized
Why I Fled Special Ed (and How to Fix It)
At the end of last year, I had had enough of my job. After eight years as an expert Special Education teacher, I felt that I could no longer do my job and stay sane. I wanted out! I knew from previous experiences that, despite my certifications and work history, I would not easily get […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Special Education, Uncategorized
6 Ways to Rekindle Your Love for Teaching
If you’re a teacher you know that the saying that “those that can’t do teach” is a complete falsehood. Teaching entails more than just providing instruction, especially if you’re a special education teacher. The pressure to make better test scores while creating content that appeals to multiple intelligences while providing 21st century skills and writing Individual Education […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Special Education
Inclusion Students – The Elephant in the Room
There has been the great controversy for many years over the inclusion of special education students in the regular education classroom. Some parents are afraid that inclusion students will negatively impact their child’s education. Mainstream education teachers sometimes voice concerns over whether or not they can teach these students when they have no background in special […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Middle School, Special Education
9 Ways to Keep Calm and Soothe the Angry Parent
When you decided to become a teacher, you did it to change the lives of children. You never imagined that attached to those children, you might find parents with endless questions, some of which go well beyond the scope of your classroom, or that some parents might get more difficult than planning lessons. Unfortunately, we […]
Posted inFeatured, Special Education
How-to Guide for Surviving as a Special Education Teacher
I began working as a special education teacher almost 8 years ago. I came into this job wanting to change children and desiring to make a huge impact on young folk’s lives. Previously, I worked as a Caseworker at a local Social Services agency taking applications for public assistance and I hated the job. I […]
Posted inCommon Core, Featured, Mathematics, Special Education
Tips for Parents: Conquering Common Core Math: 8 Tips to Use at Home
I teach students who fall far below grade level in math and parents tell me all the time how impossible Common Core Math concepts are. They don’t even get it, so how can they help their children? But math itself doesn’t change–the way we look at it does. If you want to help your children […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Our Dirty Secret: Teachers Have Feelings
I’m going to say something controversial. If you have children reading over your shoulder or a perhaps even a sensitive grandma looking on, I’m giving you fair warning. The content of this post might just rock someone’s world, because it’s akin to saying Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Did you clear the room yet? Okay. So, now […]