“This book has ideas, tools, and starting points for all the situations you could encounter on your first day of teaching or on your thousandth! It is practical and up-to-date on what it is like to be a special educator in schools today.”

—Alison Martins, Special Education Teacher

Seven Hills Charter Public School, Worcester, MA

“This book is a new teacher's first stop for everything from ‘How should I set up my room the first week of school?’ to ‘What types of assessments should I be using?’”

—Nancy Yost, Associate Professor of Special Education

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

A valuable toolbox for every situation in the special education classroom!

Special education teachers face unique challenges, especially when they are just beginning. This essential resource offers special educators a blueprint for dealing with the most common challenges they face both in the classroom and in the larger school environment.

These research-based strategies help teachers meet the academic needs of diverse students with disabilities (including those who are also English language learners) in areas such as setting up a classroom, managing student behavior, designing effective instruction, incorporating technology, embracing diversity, and more. Each chapter features:

An overview and objectives; A brief research review; Step-by-step strategies that can be used immediately; Examples and scenarios from real teaching experiences; Self-assessments and reflections

This all-in-one reference book offers the tools, strategies, and support special educators need for success in their first year and every year thereafter!