In the ever-changing world of education, where research is always changing, and new studies are always coming out, there is one approach that has recently been growing and gaining more attention than ever before: Montessori education. Montessori education is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes child-centered learning, self-directed activity, and hands-on, […]
Special Education
Posted inSpecial Education
Celebrating Neurodiversity: The Impact of ‘Love on the Spectrum'”
In recent years, there has been a remarkable push for diversity and inclusivity in the media. As a special educator specializing in autism, I have often felt saddened by the lack of autism representation in the media in the midst of this new media revolution. Recently, I came across the Netflix series “Love on the […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
Addressing the Need: Spanish-speaking immigrants and access to special education resources
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 […]
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Education
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Education
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 […]