Setting up a behavior management system in your self-contained classroom can be overwhelming because there are so many ideas out there! Students, especially those in a self-contained class, thrive on routine and structure. Setting up a behavior management system is a great way to set students up for success. Observe other teachers Some of the best professional development is simply observing other educators, especially if you are a new teacher. It can be helpful to take some time, even ... continue reading...
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How to Set Up IEP Goal Bins for Easy Progress Monitoring
Progress monitoring can feel like one of the most time-consuming parts of teaching in a self-contained classroom. Between collecting consistent data, finding materials, and making sure each student’s IEP goals are addressed, it’s easy to feel buried. That’s why I love using IEP Goal Bins. They turn a stressful process into a simple, organized system that actually works in the classroom. Here’s how you can set them up. Step 1: Gather Your Materials Before setting up bins, collect the ... continue reading...
Your First Week in a Self-Contained Elementary
Are you new to teaching a self-contained classroom? You are probably feeling excited, nervous, happy, and overwhelmed... all at once! I know that is definitely how I felt when I first walked into my room. Luckily, there are a few surefire things you can do to make your first week stress free for you AND engaging for your students. Read on to find out how! Set Up Your Space for Success One of the first things you will want to do is scope out your room and plan how your space will look. ... continue reading...
Types and Roles of Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals, also known as paraeducators, instructional assistants, or teacher aides, are trained support staff who work under the supervision of certified teachers. They play a vital role in supporting students and ensuring safe and robust educational environments. In special education settings, paraprofessionals provide crucial assistance to students with disabilities, offering individualized support, implementing targeted interventions, and helping create meaningful learning experiences ... continue reading...
How to Plan for Para Support in a Self-Contained Classroom
If you teach a self-contained classroom, you know that paraprofessionals can be extremely helpful for both you and the students. It can be difficult to plan for exactly how you'd like to utilize their support. Read on to find out some tips for how to best plan for para support in the self-contained setting. Have paraprofessionals help you prep materials Every teacher knows that there is a lot of prep work that goes into planning a typical day at school. Whether it's making copies, ... continue reading...
How to Use a Classroom Layout Builder
Anyone who has ever had to set up or redesign their classroom knows that it can be a frustrating task! Knowing how furniture will fit and the room will flow definitely takes trial and error. Luckily, there is a solution! Read on to learn all about how the Classroom Layout Builder can help you out! What is a Classroom Layout Builder? The Classroom Layout Builder is a digital tool that allows you to design and visualize your classroom space. Using the tool, you can place the permanent ... continue reading...
How to Calculate Behavior Data
Data collection and calculation as a teacher can be tedious and one of the more difficult parts of the job. Behavior data especially can be tricky because so much happens in the moment! Finding simple ways to collect data can help you stress less. My school's behavior data form My school is a behavioral school, so we use a specific form that we refer to as the student's "school note". The school note is broken down by each period of the day in 20 minute intervals, since each period is ... continue reading...
Supporting Fine Motor Growth as an OT Through Grants
Breaking the Funding Barrier I am blessed in my current school-based occupational therapist (OT) position to have access to a lot of materials and space. As a district employee, I have my own [shared] sensory room and treatment space and budget to purchase items that will support students on the current OT caseload. However, as OTs, we recognize that we can support so many more students than those that are on our direct caseload. The difficult part with this is where does that funding come ... continue reading...
20 No-Stress Lessons for ESY This Summer
Planning for Extended School Year (ESY) can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to keep things simple, engaging, and aligned with IEP goals. You want your students to keep making progress... but you also want summer to feel like summer! That’s why I’ve rounded up 20 low-prep, high-engagement ESY lessons and activities that are perfect for the self-contained special education classroom. Whether you're teaching for one week or the whole summer, these ideas are fun, functional, and ... continue reading...
What to Do When Centers Don’t Go as Planned (And How to Troubleshoot with Confidence!)
Even with the best planning, things don’t always go smoothly—and that’s especially true in a self-contained special education classroom. You’ve set up your centers, prepped the materials, and practiced expectations… and then the wheels fall off. Sound familiar? Here’s the good news: when centers don’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean centers won’t work for you. It just means it’s time to troubleshoot and adjust. Let’s break down a few real-life examples of common center challenges—and how to ... continue reading...
Make ESY Easy – Enjoy Your Summer While I Take Care of the Plans! 🌞
As summer approaches, many special education teachers find themselves gearing up for Extended School Year (ESY) services. While ESY can be an important time to maintain skills, it doesn’t have to feel like another huge task on your to-do list. In fact, it can be an opportunity to create engaging, meaningful lessons for your students without overwhelming yourself. If you’re feeling the pressure of ESY planning, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Here’s how you can make ESY easy, fun, and ... continue reading...
Tips and Tricks for the VB-MAPP
The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is a special education assessment that is based on verbal behavior milestones. Typically given to children with autism and/or language delays, the assessment provides information about student development. It is helpful in understanding student progress, informing IEP goals, and designing ABA programs. Read on for more info about what the VB-MAPP entails, and tips for making the assessment easy! How to Administer the ... continue reading...
Tips for Laminating That No One Else Will Tell You
Laminating is a game-changer for special education teachers! It keeps materials durable, reusable, and easy to clean. But if you’ve ever dealt with bubbling, peeling, or jagged edges, you know it’s not always foolproof. Here are some insider laminating tips that will save you time, money, and frustration! 1. Let Your Laminator Fully Heat Up Patience is key! If your laminator isn’t fully heated, your pouches might not seal properly, leading to peeling edges. Wait at least 5-10 minutes ... continue reading...
Job Training & Occupational Therapy
Does your student's transition plan include something like job training? This blog is about how school-based occupational therapists can support! Unsure what a transition plan is? Transition planning must begin before the student turns 16, be tailored to the individual, focus on the student’s strengths/interests, and provide opportunities to develop functional skills for work and community life. SSE Blogger Alex has a great blog on transition goals that you should check out if you are stuck on ... continue reading...
Classroom Layouts That WORK: Setting Up Your Self-Contained Classroom for Success
Setting up a self-contained classroom can feel overwhelming. You need a space that promotes independence, structure, and engagement, but where do you even start? The way you arrange your classroom can make or break your daily routine, impact student behavior, and even affect how smoothly transitions go throughout the day. If you’ve ever felt like your classroom setup just isn’t working—whether it’s constant clutter, chaotic transitions, or students struggling to work independently—you’re not ... continue reading...
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