Beyond the Classroom Door - What Real Inclusion Looks Like
Walk into any school today, and you'll likely hear about their commitment to inclusion. Students with disabilities learning alongside their peers in general education classrooms—it sounds terrific, and it is. But here's the truth that many educators and parents are discovering: putting a child in a general education classroom doesn't automatically create inclusion. Real inclusion is about so much more than location.
🌞 Why You Need a Summer IEP Coaching Session
Let’s be honest—by the time summer rolls around, you don’t want to hear the word “IEP” again until September.
And yet…
Come Fall, how often do we say to ourselves:
“I should’ve organized this earlier.”
“I wish I had a better plan for this student.”
“I feel like I’m already behind—and it’s only the first week.”
Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely on IEP Goal Banks
When it comes to writing IEP goals, it can be tempting to pull a goal straight from a goal bank. After all, these pre-written goals are convenient, readily available, and cover a variety of skills. However, relying solely on an IEP goal bank can lead to generic, ineffective goals
5 Red Flags That an IEP Is Not Written Effectively
A picture of a red flag and text that says 5 Red flags that an IEP is not written effectively
Navigating Tough Conversations at the IEP Table: 6 Ways to Respond Appropriately
Sitting at the IEP table, surrounded by educators, specialists, and families, can be a delicate balancing act. The objective is always to create the best educational plan for the student, but navigating these conversations isn’t always easy.
5 Ways to Transition Back into the Classroom After Winter Break
The post-holiday blues are authentic, especially for educators who pour their hearts into their work daily. Winter break offers a much-needed pause, but getting back into the swing of things can feel like a steep climb.
5 Quick Ways to Spark Joy in Your Classroom This December
December is a magical time of the year, but it can also be hectic—especially in a special education classroom. Let’s explore five simple yet powerful ways to spark joy in your classroom this December. These ideas are designed to lighten your workload and brighten everyone’s spirits!
Addressing Disparities in IEP Services for Black and Brown Students
Addressing IEP service disparities requires intentionality and commitment. By building relationships, analyzing data, and advocating for systemic changes, we can ensure that Black and Brown students receive the opportunities they deserve.
Token Boards in the High School Classroom
As special education teachers, we’re always looking for strategies that encourage independence in our students. The token board is one simple but powerful tool for promoting self-regulation and motivation in a self-contained high school classroom. Whether you're new to using token boards or looking for ways to freshen up your approach, this guide will help you maximize their effectiveness so your students can thrive independently.
Legal Ramifications of IEPs: What Members of Every Team Should Know
By understanding the legal responsibilities surrounding IEPs and taking proactive measures, educators can ensure that students with disabilities receive the appropriate services, and schools can avoid costly legal disputes. Whether you are a special education teacher, administrator, or advocate, staying informed about the legal framework of IEPs is not just best practice—it’s a necessity.
How To Write Effective IEPs That Support Student Needs
Writing effective, individualized IEPs is essential to supporting the success of students with disabilities. By focusing on measurable goals, appropriate accommodations, and ongoing collaboration, educators can ensure that each IEP is a tailored roadmap to help the student achieve their full potential
5 Most Common Daily Distractions for Teacher Leaders
Distractions can occur in every aspect of your daily life—both personal and professional. From phone calls to emails to texts to meetings, these unexpected interruptions can significantly impact your productivity as a teacher leader.
Why Effective Productivity for Teacher Leaders!
As teacher leaders, We often assume that being productive requires enormous effort. However, effective productivity makes balancing all your tasks more manageable, not harder.
5 Habits of Highly Productive Teacher Leaders
The most productive teacher leaders have three essential things in common: they're organized, set goals, and stay focused. However, there are other habits that these high-achieving leaders share that you may have yet to consider. Keep reading to learn about five of the best habits to help you improve your productivity and goals along your teacher-leader journey.
What is an IEP? A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever wondered what an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is, how it supports your child, and how you can advocate more vigorously for your son or daughter? This guide is your starting point for understanding the essential components of an IEP as you prep for your first or millionth IEP meeting.
Building Strong Partnerships Between Teachers and Families: A Key to Student Success
Building strong partnerships between teachers and families is not just beneficial; it's essential for student success. By fostering open communication, encouraging active participation, respecting each other’s roles, and collaborating on problem-solving, we create a supportive environment that allows students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Six Strategies for Building and Maintaining A Trauma-Informed Classroom
This blog post explores six effective strategies for building and maintaining a trauma-informed classroom. Nicolette Lesniak provides practical examples of how these strategies are implemented in my classroom and guiding questions to support you in implementing them in your classroom to create a space of healing and growth.
Supporting Trauma-Informed Care in Our Classrooms
Trauma in special education requires teachers to look beyond the surface and understand that students' behaviors and reactions may be rooted in more profound experiences than we can't see. The students in our classrooms who are “acting out” might be struggling with learning challenges compounded with their traumatic experiences, making the learning environment both a potential place of refuge and a minefield of triggers.
Understanding Behavior As Communication
As a special education teacher, I know that we are aware that behavior is a form of communication, and constantly saying that behavior is communication and not giving tangible steps to support others when dealing with negative behaviors can be frustrating at times.
There is a difference between a behavior in your classroom where a student is easily redirected a couple of times, and extinguishing a negative behavior.