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Ask Us Anything Series: Part 8- Elements and Organizational Tools for Back to School

Welcome to the August segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you get a new school year started.

Everything you will go through is what is going to make you a good teacher.  It’s through those experiences where you'll learn, grow, and adapt to the unique needs of your students.

Today's Questions:

1. Maggie from Michigan: "What elements do I need to make sure I have before setting up my classroom this fall? I'm an over-planner and I don't want to forget anything."
2. Tina from Illinois: "What are some organizational tools to help stay on top of beginning of the year to-dos?"

Talking Points:Episode Highlights:

• Navigating Classroom Setup: 
  • Creating a classroom layout that caters to student needs.
  • The importance of having designated student-centered areas, like a sensory or calm-down corner.
  • The value of visual schedules and how to implement them effectively.
• Maximizing Resources and Funding: Paul shares alternative methods to fund classroom essentials without breaking the bank. From DonorsChoose projects to district grants, 
• Paraprofessional Collaboration: Jennifer highlights the importance of working closely with paraprofessionals. 
• Emergency Preparedness: The discussion also touches on having emergency plans in place
• Organizational Tools: 
  • The importance of having a reliable planner, whether digital or paper.
  • Utilizing checklists for IEP preparation and other critical tasks.
  • Innovative methods for progress monitoring and data collection.
  • Effective communication strategies with parents using apps like ClassDojo or Seesaw.
• Time Management Tips: Use the Pomodoro Technique as a strategy for managing time effectively in the classroom. 
• Importance of setting priorities and sticking to them to avoid the overwhelm that often accompanies the start of the school year.

Jennifer and Paul remind listeners that while being a special education teacher is challenging, it’s also rewarding. They encourage educators to take care of themselves, plan effectively, and use the resources available to them.

Resources Mentioned:

Special Education Teacher Checklist
Bullet Journal

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