You may be a recent graduate who has already accepted a position as a new special education teacher or an experienced teacher moving into a new position in SPED. First, congratulations! You’re no doubt filled with excitement and anticipation. And maybe, just maybe, you’re also feeling nervous or uncertain.
I can help with that!
In today’s post, I’ll guide you through steps to take this summer that will have you feeling confident and ready before the first day of school. Let’s get rid of the nerves and up the excitement – together.
I LOVE Summer!
The secret to feeling confident and ready to go in the fall has everything to do with summer. Spending thoughtful time doing some prep work during the summer months will do more than just about anything to help your fall go smoothly.
So, here’s your summer to-do list:
1. Ask for a Mentor
After you’ve been hired as a new special education teacher, one of the first things you should ask your administration for is a mentor. This advice actually applies whether you are a first-year teacher or an experienced teacher moving into a new position.
A mentor provides guidance and acts as your point of contact for questions. They serve as a lead for you to follow and help make sure you get started off on the right foot.
2. Set up Communications and Behavior Notebooks
Documentation will be a focus every day for every student. Setting your communication and behavior notebooks up ahead of time means you’ll be ready to document what is happening in your classroom the first day.
I have both digital and paper options for notebooks in my TeachersPayTeachers store – check them out if that is something you need.
3. Ask for Student IEPs
Having a chance to review the current IEPs of the students you will case manage before school starts is invaluable. You’ll be able to have activities (both digital and paper/pencil) ready to go that address current goals. This will help you have a base from which to work with each student and will also allow you to build rapport with your students. So important!
In addition, you’ll know what resources you may need – including other personnel – to help support you in working with your students. You’ll gain knowledge that can even help you as you set up your physical classroom.
4. Compile Supply Lists
I love lists! And when you are trying to determine what supplies you have and what supplies you need, lists are key! I like to keep one central running list of supplies. Keep this list in a set location so you and your team members always know where it is. Add items to your list as you think of them. Later, you can figure out – or ask your mentor – which supplies are available in the building and which may need to be sourced or purchased.
Being organized means knowing where things are – or where to get them. This allows you to move through your day smoothly and efficiently. No wasting time searching for what you need.
5. Establish a Calm Down Corner
Emotions happen. To everyone. And in a SPED classroom, emotions happen a lot. Sometimes big emotions. Having a plan to support students and help them manage their emotions will go a long way to helping you help them with behavior.
Designate a space specifically for calming down with a bean bag or other type of seat. Include a calm down kit with visuals or manipulatives that students can use.
6. Make the Most of Morning Work
As you start your day, there are duties and responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Attendance, assisting students as they arrive. Getting organized for the day. Taking lunch orders. It can be challenging to make this time valuable for students.
I make the most of morning work time by having folders for each student that contain activities focused on life skills and their specific IEP goals. Students can work on what is in their own folders, gaining valuable skill practice while I prepare for the day.
7. Set Yourself up for Data Success
We talked about data collection a bit when we talked about communication and behavior notebooks. There are a few other ways I like to collect and organize student data. Whatever system you choose, make sure your lesson plans and IEP data are labeled clearly and easily accessible. In this post, I share a ton of valuable information about progress monitoring in special ed.
Collecting data digitally can be very effective. I use digital collection methods, especially when tracking academic goals. However, I also find clipboards to be hugely helpful, for me and my staff. This is especially true for lifeskills, toileting progress, or any other kind of goal that is tracked throughout the day.
As a special education teacher, data is so important that I developed a course all about it. If you are interested in learning more about data collection in a special education environment, make sure and check out the waitlist for The Exceptional Data Simplified Course. The doors will be opening soon and – trust me – you don’t want to miss out.
As you spend time this summer planning for and imagining those first days in the classroom, know that there will be things you knock out of the park. There will also be plenty of learning moments. But if you bring lots of patience with you – for your students and for yourself – you’ll be just fine.
Make sure you are in our Facebook Group for special education teachers. It’s a great place to ask questions, gain insights, and learn.
I am so excited that you are a special education teacher and no matter if this will be your first year or it’s many years beyond that, know that I am here to support you and I can’t wait to see how you thrive this year!
