Welcome to my blog, where you'll find valuable resources, tips, and friendly support.
Teaching Math in the Special Education Classroom: Strategies and Success Stories
I’m excited to share this article, featured in the December 2024 issue of One Classroom Over™, the digital teacher magazine. In this piece, I dive into some of my favorite tips and tricks for teaching math in the special education classroom—strategies I rely on every single day with my students.
I hope these ideas inspire and support you in your own…
5 Behavior Management Strategies Every Teacher Should Know
As teachers, we all know that managing classroom behavior is one of the most significant challenges we face. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, student behavior can make or break the...
The "AHA" Moment Every Teacher Lives For
As teachers, we live for those special moments when a student’s hard work finally clicks into place. They don’t come often, but when they do, it reminds us of why we do what we do.
I recently experienced one of those moments that completely...
Are you Overwhelmed by Data Collection?
I’m not anymore, let me show you why
As a special education teacher, managing and tracking student progress on Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is a critical part of our role. It's not just about ensuring compliance but helping each student grow by understanding their needs and tracking their achievements over time. One tool that has made a huge difference in my classroom is using dedicated IEP data tracking sheets, which I’ve found to be a lifesaver when it comes to...
Making Your Special Students Feel Welcome as We Go Back to School
As the back-to-school season approaches, I love the feelings that come along with it—a chance to start fresh, set new goals, and create a welcoming environment for my special students. For those of us in special education, it's not just about arranging desks or preparing lesson plans. It's about creating a space where each student feels seen, heard, and...
Do you dread writing IEP’s?
As special education teachers, one of our most important responsibilities is developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student. An IEP isn't just a document—it's a blueprint for success designed for each student. Writing an effective IEP can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the right approach you can...
Are Your Students Losing Interest During Reading Time?
As special education teachers, we all have those moments when our carefully planned lessons take an unexpected turn—and sometimes, those turns lead us to really cool conversations. I had one of those moments with my students, and it forced me to...
Back-to-School Jitters?
I’ve got them too!
Every year, I get super nervous right before the first few days of school. Somehow, I worry that I’ve forgotten how to be a teacher over the summer. I imagine walking into the classroom and having no idea what to do. It’s happened before—I’ve had students have complete meltdowns on Day 1, and I’ve felt completely helpless. But I got through it!
Do You Love a Classroom DIY That Saves You Money?
I teach a self-contained LLD (Learning and Language Disabilities) class, where all of our instruction is done in rotations. I have just 20 minutes with each group to introduce new material. This structure works well because my students generally have short attention spans, but it also means I feel a lot of pressure to make the most of those 20 minutes! One thing that really frustrates me is when a student...
Do You Ever Feel Like You’re Not Cut Out for This?
Trust me, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too.
When I started my teaching journey back in 2012, I began with student teaching and substituting in a school in NYC that served students with severe behavioral challenges. These were students whose needs couldn’t be