Embedded Files
Elements
Elements
6A - Reflection on Practice: Teachers continuously examine and evaluate their own practice to intentionally use new understandings and perspectives as opportunities for professional growth and effectiveness.
6B - Focused Professional Learning: Teachers amplify their expertise with ongoing professional learning experiences that address subject-matter content, instruction and assessment, social– emotional support, and equitable practices, that enable each student—including historically and persistently underserved students—to reach identified goals.
6C - Collaboration with Colleagues: Teachers collaborate with colleagues in developing a common understanding of effective practices for students’ academic and social–emotional development. This common understanding informs teaching and supports practices that meet students’ diverse learning interests, strengths, and needs.
6D - Collaboration with Families, Guardians, and the Community: Teachers collaborate with families, guardians, and community partners to develop and use a common language, strategies, and communication around in-school and out-of-school learning experiences and to align services and initiatives that affect each student’s growth and well-being.
6E - Ethical Conduct and Professional Responsibilities: Teachers demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity in their professional behavior and decision-making as they conduct their responsibilities with a focus on each student’s learning and well-being.
6F - Activating Access and Equity: Teachers strive to eradicate barriers to student access, engagement, opportunities and positive outcomes by acting with integrity and fairness so that every student has the quality experiences necessary to learn and thrive.
6G - Personal Growth and Well-Being: Teachers cultivate and sustain personal motivation, commitment, energy, and health by balancing continuous professional growth with their own physical and emotional wellness.
Conferences
District Trainings
SBCUSD Demonstration Teachers
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) &
Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
Strategies
Strategies
1. Engage in Ongoing Special Education Training
1. Engage in Ongoing Special Education Training
Attend workshops, conferences, and webinars focused on:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
AAC and communication disorders
Behavior intervention (PBIS, ABA)
Functional curriculum and life skills
2. Pursue Certifications and Advanced Credentials
2. Pursue Certifications and Advanced Credentials
Consider additional certifications in:
Assistive Technology
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Early Intervention or Low-Incidence Disabilities
3. Join Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
3. Join Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Collaborate with other special education teachers to share strategies, lesson ideas, and student supports.
Participate in school or district-based PLCs or online communities.
4. Use Reflective Practice
4. Use Reflective Practice
Maintain a teaching journal or reflection log to analyze what’s working and what’s not.
Regularly reflect on IEP goal implementation, engagement strategies, and behavior support effectiveness.
5. Seek Mentorship and Coaching
5. Seek Mentorship and Coaching
Partner with an experienced special educator, instructional coach, or therapist.
Ask for feedback on classroom management, instructional design, and data collection practices.
6. Stay Informed with Current Research
6. Stay Informed with Current Research
Read peer-reviewed journals and evidence-based practices in special education.
Focus on topics like inclusive education, sensory integration, and instructional design for complex learners.
7. Advocate for Students and Yourself
7. Advocate for Students and Yourself
Participate in IEP meetings as a confident, informed advocate.
Stay informed on laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504) and policies affecting special education.
8. Develop Collaborative Skills
8. Develop Collaborative Skills
Strengthen your ability to work with:
Paraprofessionals
Occupational and speech therapists
Behavior specialists
Families and caregivers
Resources & Articles
Resources & Articles
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Professional organization for special educators with training, journals, and standards
IRIS Center (Vanderbilt University) - Free online professional development modules on evidence-based practices
TASH - Advocacy and training for inclusive education for students with significant support needs
Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) - Standards for developing as a professional educator
Edutopia: Special Education Resources - Articles, videos, and tips from educators across the field
Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) - Evidence-based strategies for students with autism
Teaching Exceptional Children Journal (via CEC) - Research-based strategies and classroom applications
Professional Development Apps and Platforms - SimpleK12, Coursera, ASHA Learning Pass, Udemy, and edWeb.net for online PD
The Autism Helper Podcast and Blog - Real-world classroom advice and professional reflection
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