Do you relate to any of these?
- I’m a first year teacher
- It’s my first year in this room
- I haven’t done Special Education
- I am used to working alone in my room
- I have become set in my ways – I need a refresher!
You are not alone – we’ve all been there!
Here are some things to think about no matter what year you’re in!
How to Overcome Those First Time Feelings
Overwhelming
It is very easy to get overwhelmed, especially with all of these new changes to teaching. Take a moment to step back and gain perspective. It’s easy to get frustrated with behaviour, with parents or with other teachers. But keep in mind they are going through this too and may be dealing with a lot.
Start small
Take each day one step at a time. Behaviour isn’t going to magically change overnight, it takes time! Pick one small thing to implement, take data and see how it goes. For example, I noticed a shift in my students’ behaviour, so I printed and laminated token boards and implemented it with the whole class. After a week, I began to see simple changes.
Ways to be Successful in Special Education
Build a team
If you are anything like me, you will try to do it all. Your EAs/support staff/paras are there to help! Find a way to bring you together and create a team atmosphere. We constantly surprise each other with treats, write positive notes or encourage each other through those challenging behaviours. Also developing some sort of routine where each person has responsibility (i.e. changing visual schedules, communication books, cleaning toys).
Pivot and change
Just like the last couple school years where we’ve changed from opening to closing schools, it’s okay to change. Your students’ behaviour changes and we can change, it’s important to go with it! Re-arranging day plans, changing how to track data and adapting work for our students is all part of the job! I have changed my day plans 10x this year and that’s okay! It’s all part of the learning process.
Implement things to promote independence
Think about things your students can do to alleviate some of the things you need to do and in turn create independence. For example, learning to file work, adjusting visual schedules, classroom jobs, cleaning the room. From these classroom tasks, students can easily be reinforced (boost self-confidence) and learn some life skills (create independence).
Things to Remember All Year Long
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
It does not show weakness! It makes you more of a team player and allows you to connect with your colleagues. I have asked people to share their day plans, perspective on behaviour, data tracking and so much more! You learn from it and adapt it to make it your own!
You are not alone!
Reach out to other teachers, EAs/paraprofessionals, admin or us fellow Instagramers! There are people and places to go to get things to help you begin this amazing journey!
HAVE FUN!
Enjoy every minute of it! At times it may seem overwhelming – take a step back, take time for yourself and keep trying new ways! Nothing it perfect, what matters is that you keep on trying, learning and growing – it’s only year one!
Great Resources to Help With Back to School
Kate ♡
