Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Thinking back on my experience as a teacher in a Texas charter school, I cringe at the lack of knowledge I had about autism. It wasn’t covered in my certification program, it was never brought up during our professional […]
special education
Posted inPedagogy
How to Support Parents and Educators of Autistic Students
I remember the first student I taught who had been diagnosed with autism very well. “Ms. Lamons, you need to fix the date on the board.” “Ms. Lamons, I need to know what we are doing today.” “Ms. Lamons, I finished my work. Now, what do I do?” John had what some described as a […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Communication – Simple, Respectful, Can Be the Achilles Heel for Special Needs Parents
“The pen is the tongue of the mind.” – Horace, Roman Poet The power of the pen wields so much more than just getting one’s voice into the world. And we all know how powerful the tongue is. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Bible, New International […]
Posted inBack to School
Teamwork Makes the “COVID-Dream” Work
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. Here you will find: rules that change on an hourly basis, not enough PPE for staff and students, continued interrupted internet connection, and limited time to use the restroom. The first two months of our hybrid model have been a whirlwind. When asked how school is this year, I […]
Posted inBack to School
Staying Within Law: Special Education Teachers and IDEA
Although it’s been a rough start to the 20-2021 school year for most school districts in the United States, school districts are still required to meet the service needs of their special education students. Under IDEA, the Bible for Special Services, also known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act, denotes in detail what our special […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Special Educator: What She Is and What She Isn’t
I graduated from with college dual licensure and degrees in elementary education and special education. This qualifies me to teach all subject areas grades K through 6 and special education grades Pre-K through 12. Inclusivity was and remains a strong value of mine. I felt a calling to incorporating my knowledge of special education as […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education
We Must Love Them
Wow. What a week. As a special education teacher, I love the challenges that come with my job. I deal mainly with children who have behavior struggles. My resource room is their, and their regular education teacher’s, safe haven. However, that doesn’t mean it’s MY safe haven. I spend the majority of my days trying […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Dear Oklahoma Legislators: Walk A Day In Our Shoes
Dear Oklahoma Legislators, Let me start by saying I love my job. I was made to be a teacher. I teach special education in the Moore district. I am not complaining about my job or all it entails. However, I want to give you a glimpse into what I did TODAY. And mind you every […]