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 handle the challenges of the special education classroom.

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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