As we approach the end of May, you may be already enjoying your summer break or eagerly counting the days until you can. This episode is dedicated to the importance of summer breaks for special education teachers, offering a time for rejuvenation and reflection after a year filled with unique challenges and triumphs.

What's Included:

• The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial period for special education teachers to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on the year's challenges and successes.
• Permission to Relax: Give yourself permission to take a break, emphasizing the necessity of this time for mental and emotional recovery.
• Reflection and Goal Setting: Jennifer introduces a three-part strategy to effectively use the summer break:
  1. Reflect on the Past Year: Focusing on various aspects such as administration, co-teachers, parents, students, schedules, paraprofessionals, and lesson planning.
  2. Maximize Relaxation: Engaging in activities that truly refresh and invigorate, from spending time outdoors to revisiting hobbies.
  3. Planning for the Upcoming Year: Setting gentle goals and organizing thoughts to prepare for a productive start to the new school year.
• Maintaining Well-Being: Strategies to carry the rejuvenated state into the new school year, including mental preparation techniques and self-care routines.

Summary

In this episode of Sped Prep Academy, Jennifer Hofferber shares essential strategies for special education teachers to make the most out of their summer break. From reflecting on the past school year to planning for the next, Jennifer provides practical advice and insights to help teachers recharge and prepare for new challenges. She also introduces the Special Education Teacher Reflection and Goal Setting Toolkit, a resource designed to aid in this reflective journey. This toolkit can be accessed here. As summer progresses, Jennifer encourages listeners to continue nurturing their well-being and to stay connected by sharing their stories of relaxation and preparation.

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

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Today's guest is Kristen Andujar from the Special Education Clubhouse and is here to discuss the importance of collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers.

When both educators work together, they can share insights, resources, and strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. Effective teamwork not only enhances the educational experience, but it also ensures that all students (Not just those with IEPs) receive the consistency and support they need to thrive.

And a collaborative relationship is just as important for the adults. Building strong professional relationships and working collaboratively can reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and lead to personal and professional growth.

In this episode, Kristen and I discuss the common challenges that special education teachers face in building these partnerships, and we share strategies for successful co-planning and co-teaching to help bridge the gap between special education and general education.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Common Challenges in Collaboration:
  • Lack of common planning time
  • Limited resources and support for general education teachers
  • Need for additional training on special education strategies
• Strategies for Effective Co-Planning and Co-Teaching:
  • Utilize any available duty-free time for planning
  • Maintain open lines of communication
  • Share tips and strategies to support students’ IEP goals
• Impact of Effective Communication:
  • Consistency and support for students
  • Improved student outcomes and goal achievement
  • Enhanced inclusion and positive classroom environment
• Resources to Support Collaboration:
  • Free Visual Cue Cards
  • Free Visual Supports Lanyard
  • Break Cards on Teachers Pay Teachers
• Tracking and Sharing Student Progress:
  • Use simple data sheets that transition between classrooms
  • Ensure the process is quick and effective for both teachers
• Advice for New Special Educators:
  • Prioritize open communication
  • Be proactive in collaborating with general education teachers
  • Focus on the shared goal of student success

This episode underscores the impact of effective communication on student outcomes, and gives examples of how consistent collaboration can lead to success for everyone involved.

To learn more from Kristen, listeners can visit her website at specialeducationclubhouse.com
or follow her on Instagram at @specialeducationclubhouse

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

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Have you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals?
No? Me neither!

Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked.

In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and most importantly, our students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Startling Statistic: Only 11 out of 50 states have established professional development programs for paraprofessionals aiming to achieve highly qualified status. We discuss the implications of this and why it’s vital to address.
• I share the structured training systems I implement at the beginning of each academic year. This handbook system is designed to help you clearly communicate with your staff and build a skilled and confident team of paraprofessionals.
• Learn how to incorporate ongoing training into your weekly or monthly routines to continually enhance the skills of your paraprofessionals. This approach ensures they are not only competent but also confident and content in their roles.
• A Comprehensive Paraprofessional Training Guide filled with practical advice, activities, and strategies will help to empower your team.
• Personal Insights and Innovations: Reflecting on her decades of experience, Jennifer discusses her journey from recognizing a gap in available resources to creating the Ultimate Paraprofessional Training Guide and handbook, which have now become integral to her training process.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your approach to paraprofessional training. Check out the Ultimate Paraprofessional Training Guide
Equip yourself with the tools to develop a robust training program that supports your team and enhances the educational experience for your students.

Because efforts in training can lead to significant improvements in your educational setting, creating a more effective and cohesive team is essential. Elevate the role of paraprofessionals in special education by training yourself.

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT