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You walk into your classroom, coffee in hand…when you get the text that one of your paras has called out sick. Unfortunately, para shortages and lack of substitutes are a reality in the education system. It can be hard enough to find paraprofessionals to fill positions, but then add on the difficulty of keeping them healthy when they are working with a classroom full of small children- it makes last-minute call outs too common.

It seems like the school year just ended, and Extended School Year (ESY) is already sneaking up on us. It’s okay to feel behind. The truth is, there’s not always a lot of time to prepare for ESY, and you’re likely still trying to wrap up the school year. Here are a few tips for a smoother ESY session with little time to plan.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has revolutionized how educators support students with communication challenges, offering a bridge to more effective interaction and learning. Among the myriad applications of AAC in the classroom, its role in the writing process stands out as particularly transformative. This blog post explores how teachers can leverage AAC and predictable chart writing to support their students during writing activities.

Teaching writing in a self-contained special education classroom can feel overwhelming for both students and teachers. Many students with disabilities come in with limited writing instruction or inconsistent experiences. And let’s be real: there aren’t a lot of writing programs out there that are truly accessible for our learners. That’s why explicit writing instruction is essential.

The start of a new school year brings fresh faces, new IEPs, and one big question: Where do I begin? Baseline assessments are your answer. In special education, especially when working with students with cognitive disabilities, early assessments are essential to shape instruction, set meaningful goals, and provide the right support from day one.

Just because a student's progress has flatlined doesn't mean we give up on the IEP goal. It doesn't mean that a placement change is necessary. And it doesn't mean you have failed. It simply means it's time to find a new approach with intentional, inclusive teaching strategies and supports.

Small, intentional changes can have a huge impact on making all students feel welcome, valued, and supported.

Master the art of working with paraprofessionals! Tips on training, scheduling, and fostering teamwork in your special education classroom.

Let's chat about what to do after you've finished holding a student's annual IEP to ensure that everything is ready to go.