Knowing how to work with parents of students with special needs is just as important as knowing how to help the students.  Robin Hartman, educator and mother of a son with Autism, says, “I know I am a difficult parent to deal with which is why I thought I would give some tips on how
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For teachers, the IEP process can be second nature.  However, for many parents, especially those who have just learned that their child needs acommodations, the process can be overwhelming.  Helping parents navigate the process is just as important as helping the students achieve their IEP goals. We asked Amy Dutsch, a teacher, special education advocate
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Advocating for children with Autism is a cause near and dear to Robin Hartman’s heart.  As a mother and teacher she has seen enough to give her insight into what Autism is and what it is not.  Read her story and the important tips below to find out more about what Autism may look like
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by Rachel Urka, Monthly Columnist Whenever I am planning lessons for my special education classroom, I have to remember two things: Keep it short Keep it consistent I think most teachers (not just special education teachers) would agree with the keeping it short tidbit! I take it very seriously though or my students are completely
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by Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Guest Blogger The mere utterance of the word dyslexia within the confines of a school campus can stop a conversation and create a divide between a parent and that school. This does not have to be the case and there is information teachers can arm themselves with and become a resource
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Our #TeachChat teachers are not afraid to tackle the tough questions and issues.  They offered great advice, ideas, and support for helping those students with IEPs and those struggling academically.  Read their ideas in the transcript below by scrolling down and reading UP!  Join us on August 15th, 2012 at 9pm EST as we talk
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by Arlene Sandberg, Guest Blogger As an ESL Resource Teacher/Specialist in a Title I Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska I was responsible for over 200 students that spoke more than 20 different languages. I was also a member of our school leadership team comprised of our school psychologist, reading coach and myself. We all sat
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Idea by Julie, 4th/5th Grade EBD Teacher, Pinellas Park, FL I teach a classroom of emotionally and behaviorally challenged students. During the winter holidays, I allow each student to make and display classroom decorations reflecting a holiday or tradition of their choice. They also research and write about these traditions in order to share their
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As classroom teachers, one of the biggest challenges facing you is accommodating the needs of every student. In a class of thirty students, knowing how to help each child can be an overwhelming responsibility. Two teachers from New Jersey share with us how they alter tiny things in their lessons to make a big impact
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Where can you special education resources, power point presentations, and podcasts about exceptional students? On the National Association of Special Education Teachers’ (NASET) website, of course. This professional organization is dedicated to providing exceptional resources for their members, most of whom are teachers in the field of special education. The organization was created specifically to
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