Sydney's School Stories

 I was recently looking through my Google Drive folder's from when I got my special education endorsement and thought I'd share a Padlet full of tips & words of wisdom for those thinking of entering special education this fall.  Special Education Padlet Link Google Slide of Resources As I was looking through the Padlet- I feel like the advise/stories hit different now that I'm 2 years into my special-educator journey. Here are some thoughts about special education as I wind up this school year and reflect on the past: When people say that special education is both extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time its so true! The highs of helping a student with behavior problems make progress or a kid with dyslexia learning to read is so amazing, but the challenges of getting to that point are also exhausting.  Special education is something that you need to experience and do hands on to really understand it. Teaching in general is a very learn on the job career. I...

 As a special education teacher one of your big jobs is to case manage and teach students with individualized education plans (IEPs).  What's An IEP?  IEPs are legal plans to help students with special needs and create systems to help them in school. IEPs need to be reviewed annually with a student's family/guardian, general education teacher, school administrator, special education teacher, student (if appropriate), and any specialist involved (speech, occupational or physical therapy, vision, advocates, etc.). An IEP outlines goals for student and any accommodations or modifications a student might need for that school year.  I was so nervous at the first IEP meeting I facilitated! It can be nerve wracking to create / share a presentation to a student's family and your colleagues- all while remembering that that is a legally binding document. Today I want to share with some ideas and materials to have a smooth IEP meeting! Preparing / Writing an IEP Give yourself L...

 At the end of the 21/22 school year I decided to leave the district I had been at for my entire career (6 years!). I went to a neighboring district and I have been so happy that I made this change. Change is hard- but today I want to share why change may also be just the thing you need. I remember when I got my first teaching job. I was so excited! I had a lot of big life changes coming up and really needed a job- I was moving from California to Washington, getting married, and starting my career! During my time in my district there were so many celebrations- I made some of my best friends, I learned so much as a teacher, and I earned my special education credential. There were also big challenges- I moved buildings a lot (being new/low seniority), it was a big learning curve to work at a title 1 school, and special education was a really big/hard transition. Last year I felt that there wasn't enough support for my high needs students and I felt that the district's and I's...