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.

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.

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

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.

With a passion for reshaping the landscape of special education, Nicolette Lesniak stands as a seasoned and dedicated Individualized Education Program (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.

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.

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.

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.

Being a special education teacher is a dynamic and ever-evolving profession, requiring us to adapt to diverse student needs, changing curricula, and emerging educational trends. Amid this complexity, the practice of documentation may sometimes be overlooked or undervalued. However, in our classrooms with many diverse needs, keeping records of your activities, interactions, and student progress is crucial.

As an educator, one of your most crucial roles is to advocate for your students. Advocacy involves speaking up, taking action, and ensuring that each and every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.

Did you know that each school district does not do case management the same way? Yes, they follow legislation by IDEA but their processes of who is responsible for what actions are different.

No one really talks about case management, we all talk about the fun things about teaching from decorating our classrooms to finding those fun and exciting resources to enhance student learning. This is the first article of a blog series about setting yourself up for success for your case management and teaching duties throughout the school year.