Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

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!


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Token Boards, Self-Regulation, Self-Contained Nicolette Lesniak Token Boards, Self-Regulation, Self-Contained Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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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

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Teacher Leaders, Daily Planning Nicolette Lesniak Teacher Leaders, Daily Planning Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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IEP Nicolette Lesniak IEP Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Team Building, Partnerships Nicolette Lesniak Team Building, Partnerships Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Strategies, Trauma-Informed Nicolette Lesniak Strategies, Trauma-Informed Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

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.

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

Managing Classroom Disruptions and Meltdowns

In the dynamic environment of our classrooms, managing disruptions and meltdowns are a crucial aspect of ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere for everyone entering your classroom. This blog delves into the challenges faced in many special education classrooms, who have students with a multitude of needs and provides insightful strategies to proactively address and prevent classroom disruptions

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

Embracing February with Resilience

As we step further into the heart of February, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication you bring to your classrooms each and every day. Being a special education teacher is no small feat, and I recognize the immense challenges that come with it. The demands can often feel overwhelming, and the sheer volume of tasks may make it easy to feel weighed down.

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Unlocking Success: The Role of an IEP Coach in Transforming Education

With a passion for reshaping the landscape of special education, Nicolette Lesniak stands as a seasoned and dedicated IEP Coach. Bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the educational arena, Nicolette Lesniak is committed to not only offering strategic classroom solutions but also establishing collaborative partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.

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Igniting Brilliance: STEM Education For ALL

In the pulsating rhythm of STEM education, students with intensive needs find their beat—the beat of excitement, discovery, and triumph. This exhilarating journey is more than an education; it's a celebration of uniqueness, a dance of enthusiasm, and a testament to the limitless potential within each student.

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Finding Balance: A Guide to Home and Work Harmony

The holiday season is upon us, and while the festive cheer is contagious, every educator knows that the weeks leading up to a break can be a challenging juggling act. Striking the right balance between work and home life becomes an elusive goal as lesson plans, grading, and holiday preparations compete for our attention.

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Nicolette Lesniak Nicolette Lesniak

From the Honeymoon Period to Building Resilience and Compassion in the Classroom

Every teacher knows that feeling when the school year starts, and there's a sense of excitement and enthusiasm in the air. Students are well-behaved, eager to learn, and it seems like everything is going smoothly. However, as time goes on, the novelty wears off, and the true behaviors of students begin to emerge. It's during this transition that the challenges and opportunities of creating a trauma-sensitive classroom come to the forefront.

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