As a Special Education teacher, you understand the importance of creating a stable learning environment so you’re better able to address the needs of all students in your care. While you may not be able to change the entire classroom layout, you may be able to move desks and chairs, utilize existing resources, establish healthy routines like greeting students as they enter the classroom, and give positive reinforcement of desired behaviors.
It’s important as a special education teacher to recognize and navigate the balance between immediate assessment and long-term goals for students.
Making goals clear to students and their parents is important so what they are learning in your classroom is reinforced at home. Not every student has a stable environment at home so it can be challenging to stay focused on the group, rather than on one student who may need extra care. In this case, communicate concerns to administration on-site as well as to your Recruiter. They may be able to shed light on how to best handle a situation.
Establish Immediate Rapport with Special Ed Students
As with any teaching position, it is necessary for your success and that of the students to create a supportive environment.
- Communicate your expectations. They don’t know what is happening and your role in their changing classroom unless you tell them. They’re going to be greeted at the door by you because you want to start their day with a smile, for example.
- Set clear and positive behavior expectations. Reinforce existing rules and/or create your own so there is a safe and predictable environment with clean consequences for misbehaving.
- Build a sense of belonging. Celebrate the diversity of everyone in the classroom as well as their individual achievements. In this way, everyone will (hopefully) feel like they are part of and contributing to the success of the group.
Leverage Existing Classroom Resources
Whether it is materials, routines, or people, create a supportive classroom environment as a special education teacher by leveraging classroom resources.
- Utilize and adapt pre-existing materials and schedules. This may mean going in early on the first day or a day before to see what and how you can use what’s already in the room. Let the school schedule be your friend as you navigate the day; utilize your planning time to support the education needs of students. You can also use the schedule they already know to instill confidence in them, and yourself, that you can manage this classroom.
- Identify key materials that can be adapted to your teaching styles. In other words, don’t reinvent the wheel and change how you teach, instead, adapt your style to the students.
- Collaborate with long-term staff including paraprofessionals, teachers, and aides, to bring what, and who, students need into their lives and learning. You can’t change everything, nor should you try, but other professionals at the school can provide insight and tools to support you on this teaching assignment. Bonus for you is that you can bring what you learn to your next position, adding value for someone else’s classroom or child.
Adapt and Personalize Instruction
As a Special Education Teacher, you understand the importance of developing individualized learning plans for each student. These are based on your interactions with the student as well as information given to you at the beginning of the school year by colleagues and parents.
- Each student needs specialized attention and planning.
- Incorporate various teaching methods including hands-on activities, visual aides, and technology to help your students learn and meet their goals.
- Regularly assess and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
Communicate with all members of the child’s educational team including paraprofessionals and parents to make sure that you’re all on the same page. Keep in mind changes may be challenging to implement and you’re a short-term teacher. You’re not going to change the world but you can support your students as best you can given resources at hand.
Implement Clear and Consistent Communication
Establishing clear and consistent communication isn’t just between you and the students. It’s helpful to also communicate with other education professionals that work with your students and the students’ parents. Utilize technology like classroom apps and email that keep parents informed, updated, and aligned with their student’s goals for the year.
We also recommend setting up communication methods that are easy to follow for students and parents, even after your contract ends. It is important for special education students to have a routine. Whether you established one or reinforced an existing plan, if you can improve communication with school professionals and parents, it will benefit the student well if you move on to another assignment.
Stay Flexible and Open Minded
Along with communication, we tell our special education teachers and learning behavioral specialists to be flexible and open minded. Every student situation and family dynamics are different, as are the education professionals. As their teacher, you can adjust plans as needed to embrace their learning curve while staying aligned with your teaching contract and personal skills and development. Seek support as needed from other colleagues and Special Education professional communities online and in-person. You may gain insights and be able to share yours.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with a staffing agency as a Special Education teacher, the team at AB Staffing would love to hear from you!
