Recipe for a Successful Special Education Classroom

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Ingredients

One group of Students, large or small, does not matter

One family who cares and advocates for their student

One qualified teacher who loves kids

Several pounds of Tolerance for atypical behaviors in students

1-2 hard working paraeducators

One whole visually rich learning environment (this can mean a lot of different things based on your clientele)

Spices

1  C. of differentiated instruction

Half C of visual proximity

Half C of physical proximity

A dash of humor

Preparation

Greet staff and students in a warm manner.

Distribute students throughout the classroom in a manner where they are able to interact, follow instructions and work as independently as possible.

Disperse adults throughout the classroom in order to use space, proximity and an appropriate teaching station so students will benefit from the lessons.

Use your own teacher classroom leadership in an assertive but respectful way to all involved know the teacher is positively in charge of the situation

Scan the room periodically in order to ensure students are working consistently.

Spot check for student understanding.

Take data on your IEP goals and or objectives in order to know you are making gains on targets.

Review information and check for understanding one more time.

Use continuous praise and reinforcements throughout your days.

Give a warm goodbye on a daily basis- your students need to know that you like them.

Communicate with parents consistently. Note that when you call families that you are telling them good as well as challenging issues you might be  having with students. Parents need to be reinforced as well as students.

Tips

Continue to follow this recipe daily

For the duration of your career