#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday September 13, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
, friends...send out some twitter feels to who's feeling a bit under the weather. We sure miss her around here!
Jena Fahlbush, Data & Outreach for - Indianapolis, IN
Tonight's will discuss how to best to support new teachers! Looking forward to great discussions.
Brooke here. Asst. SpEd Director from Indiana. Go Colts!
Hi Jena! Thanks for joining us for
Hey everyone! Nikki Morrow...inclusion teacher at Decatur Middle School in Indianapolis!
Hiya! Glad to see you are here.
Hi Nikki! Hope you had a great summer...thanks for joining
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
Hello! Intervention Specialist (reading) from central Ohio!
Hi Jodie! Welcome to . Thanks for joining us.
Hi ! I'm Danielle. SPED Coordinator from Indianapolis
Daniel here, Dir. of .... SO glad to be here following out UDL chat!
Hey! You survived the start of the term!!
Q1: What one statement of encouragement/advice would you give all new SpEd teachers?
Howdy! Kevin from Navasota, Texas, pull-out resource teacher.
Thanks for joining us! Everyone be sure and check out#patinsicam chat.
Hi ! Kelli from Indiana, Specialist with
hi everyone! Trisha from NH. Sped teacher of students with autism and emotional/Behavioral disorders
A1: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s okay to make mistakes, take risks, and laugh. Laugh a lot!
Hi Kelli! Thanks for joining
Hi ! Liz, primary resource teacher!
Hi Trisha!! Thanks for joining tonight.
A1: Take each day at a time and don't be afraid of asking for help!
Hiya, Liz. Glad you are here tonight.
Self Contained MD teacher from NJ!
A1: Breathe, respect and learn from every "failure" and CELEBRATE the small steps AND call for AEM & AT
I'm surviving! It has been a CRAZY week but we're making it :)
A1: It's ok to cry sometimes and the paperwork WILL get easier.
A1: Always remember your "why". Teach from your heart. There will be tough days, but the good will outweigh them!
A1: "It's okay to not know, we've all been there; ask questions....lots and lots of questions."
Hang in there! Be prepared, but flexible. And laugh! Never lose your humor!
A1: Remember why you're there. And that it's not ALL about paperwork. That gets easier as time goes on.
I think this might be a lie. The paperwork never gets easier ;) https://t.co/mTZpSNdllU
A1: It's ok to cry sometimes and the paperwork WILL get easier.
A1: It gets easier, it gets less time-consuming, it is worth the hard days, and you will soon have a back pocket full of ideas!
Hi How many Ss do you have?
yes! Definitely okay to have a good cry of whatever it is that helps you get those overwhelming feelings out.
Q2: What is your best/favorite memory of your first year teaching?
A1: Seek out a mentor. Be humble and do not be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
A1: Every single child is a gift in this world. We must always remember that.
Sure it does! You do most of it in your sleep and then wake up and quickly start typing. ha ha
A1 Celebrate every little achievement. What might seem small to others, is a big deal to some!
maybe not, but you will get more efficient in filling them out!
A2: Best 1st year teaching memory was dramatic realization that I could remove ALL pics & symbols and all Ss could read sightwords
A2: Meeting Nathan. The Ss who showed me in the hardest but most rewarding way that SpEd was where my heart was.
A2: My toughest student looked me in the eye and said "I promise to try harder and not let you down again." And then he didn't.
A2: Getting punched in the chin as Ss made Scooby Doo noises! I found out what his reinforcer was quickly! "Rrriikkesss!"
A2 - lunches with my students! Fav days were when they chose lunch vs a trinket as a prize
A2: teaching a student to say I love you too his mom.
A2: I remember the day I realized a non-verbal student could read. It brought me to tears.
Awwww.. all the feels on that one!
A2: Having my first child. Expecting AND 1st year teaching=lots of tears
A2: A wall hanging that my students made for me. I still have it 23 years later.
Q3: What was the toughest part of being a new teacher? Is it still the toughest part or was it mostly tough due to inexperience?
yes, nothing more rewarding than that! His parents thought he would never speak!
A2 One of my pull out resource students made it to the grade-wide spelling bee. Shocked everyone coming in 2nd in their homeroom.
A2: Having a great mentor/principal to help teach me how to support, care, and lead.
A2: Receiving a well loved stuffed animal for Christmas. They wanted me to have it because I didn't live w my parents. 😊.
A3: Hardest part of being a new Teacher was wading thru the politics, the paperwork, and the union pressure, to actually TEACH!
A3: Learning school politics--the hidden culture of a building is so hard. IMO, it’s still the hardest part of the job.
A3- paperwork and collecting all that data
It gets a little easier but still A LOT,
A3:learningto speak up. Sometimes as a sped teacher we are holedup in our resource room and people forget about us
A3: My pride was the toughest part. I wanted to be perfect and didn't want anyone to see my mistakes. Much easier now.
A2 easy a Ss I'm my class told me in my practice lessons for my interview the class "took it easy on me" !!!
A3: Yes, figuring out the culture of the building is tricky! I kept wondering, "Do I fit in here?"
A3: Finding a way to balance what you know, don't know, and how to bridge the gap. Exhausting!
Q3: The struggle between wanting to do what's best for sts but not having all the resources. Balancing that was challenging.
A3: definitely building culture for me! I was a satellite program - mostly well received but not always.
Q4: Who is the reason you made it to your second year teaching? What did he/she/they do that made an impact on your 1st year?
A3: The toughest part of being a new teacher was realizing I do not need to be in teacher mode 24-7.
A3 inexperience for sure had no idea how to construct lessons ( really didn't know how to teach!!!!)
Like when you give the silent "5" to your husband? :)
that's a constant struggle. Limited resources and funding always seem to be difficult.
Q4: Again this honor is Nathan's. My 4th grader who said I can't go to 5th grade without you...and so I looped and so it began!
my kids still wake up on the weekends and ask "what's the PLAN for today mommy?"
A3: Is there a turn off switch for my new found teacher voice?
For sure, once we realize it's not about us it's sooooo much easier & better for the Ss. https://t.co/3A0L3mKcMy
A3: My pride was the toughest part. I wanted to be perfect and didn't want anyone to see my mistakes. Much easier now.
A3: Developing the "our" students culture versus the "your" students mentality in an inclusion setting.
and it's never about us. Such a hard lesson.
A4: another new sped teacher. Her background was in counseling. Saved me many trips to the therapist! :)
A4: My colleagues, families, students and admin supported me beyond words in year 1. I am eternally grateful for them.
A4 I'm in my 2nd year now, but I wouldn't have made it without the Ss. They worked so hard and it pushed me to do the same
Yes!!!! So important! https://t.co/K2sohLidAw
A3: Developing the "our" students culture versus the "your" students mentality in an inclusion setting.
A4: I don't remember a specific event. Just knew it was where I was meant to be.
A4 my SPED supervisor took me under her wing & really taught me about classroom mgt.& planning.
A4- great building team. Admin, counselors, gen Ed teachers
For YOU or your students?
Q5: Who might new SpEd teachers reach out to in their schools (besides other SpEd Ts) for sage advice & shared wisdom?
A4: The principal and my mentor teacher made it easy to return. Constant encouragement. My own personal cheerleaders.
ha, for me! She was amazing. She had such a calm demeanor that kept my anxiety in check.
And they you I'm sure! https://t.co/RhyHNbNwPb
A4: My colleagues, families, students and admin supported me beyond words in year 1. I am eternally grateful for them.
Awesome. We all need humans like that.
A5: PARENTS... honestly. And us, of course! .
A5: Guidance Counselors and therapists. Also, the office staff. They know everything that goes on. Everywhere.
A5: The veteran "specials" teachers have been doing inclusion since before it was a thing. They were invaluable resources to me.
A4: my very knowledgeable and ALWAYS supportive mentor teacher, department chair, and administration.
A5: Build your PLN through Twitter! This is the best way to gain support & ideas!
A5: Definitely reach out to the team leaders/grade level chairs. They should be excellent resources for support.
A5: If they are on Twitter, send them my way...I love to encourage & support others & help them channel their inner
I suggest first few weeks of school finding your "tribe."Branching out to other teachers and learning about them
A5: That one teacher w/ amazing classroom management. Observe and listen.
A5 CST & school psychologist for sure !!! https://t.co/CnJrkj6piw
Q5: Who might new SpEd teachers reach out to in their schools (besides other SpEd Ts) for sage advice & shared wisdom?
I think ur right Not only did I just READ ur tweet in my T voice n my head I tweeted reply even louder& I meant biz
Agreed!! It makes a huge difference.
RIGHT! All behavior happens for a reason. WATCH closely the Ts who have that figured out. https://t.co/fPQe01qVIo
A5: That one teacher w/ amazing classroom management. Observe and listen.
Q6: How can fellow SpEd teachers best wrap around new teachers & keep them energized (so they become 2nd year teachers)?
A5 Tech staff, secretaries, CST members, Librarian. They all saved me multiple times from crashing and burning.
A6: Conduct rounds and give instructional feedback, support, team teach once in awhile.
Seriously! Read blogs, follow others, join chats! Best way to grow as an educator!
A5: school secretaries know a lot!
My advice is to observe in as many classrooms as you can, if you can. There's so much we can learn from each other & kids too
A6: Lots of reminders that the paperwork gets easier. Allow them to shadow you if they have the chance.
A6: I think many will come back for year 2. Getting them to stay past 3 years IS the trick. Offer to teach with them
A6:Offer advice when asked, but don't assume anyone wants your unsolicited advice.Be there when they need support
Oh my...how could I forget the Tech Team. They are my heroes on a daily basis!
A6: Be willing to make frequent walk-in visits and NEVER engage in complaining or career-bashing discussions. Be POSITIVE always!
A6: share resources to avoid recreating the wheel, be proactive in problem solving (common mistakes), and always listen & support
A6 lend a hand, share best practices get them connected GROW PLN support & listen, listen, ( & give 'em coffe)
A6: Simply offer support. Show don't tell. Be there on the tough days. Listen. Really listen!
A8: Give high fives with inflatable hands, dance often,sing to them & the class,give special awards,keep positive & celebrate alot
goodness yes!! Positively is vital!!!!
A6: Give them the support they need but also encourage risk-taking. A lot can be learned through failure.
Yes yes not worthy of them ! https://t.co/IulDhVFuZn
Oh my...how could I forget the Tech Team. They are my heroes on a daily basis!
A6: Listen and then listen again. Laugh together and learn about each other's lives. Stay positive and celebrate!
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.... "Dignity of Risk" is ESSENTIAL to eventual REAL success. https://t.co/sxiRjDmtwe
A6: Give them the support they need but also encourage risk-taking. A lot can be learned through failure.
New teachers need to know & feel that teaching is FUN and
Absolutely open your classroom & see others so helpful https://t.co/8w6Ex3XPz4
My advice is to observe in as many classrooms as you can, if you can. There's so much we can learn from each other & kids too
A6:Share ur own failures & stories & tell them u lived 2 tell about them & have become better becuz of them TRUE positivity a MUST
A6 Share experiences and help them realize the issues they face are common even if they feel they aren't
yea Karen Loosen Up A Little Will ya!!
Q7: Can you recommend any great go-to resources for new SpEd teachers? What do you wish existed/you knew about your 1st year?
Is it time for a dance party yet??
And let them know it's never personal https://t.co/SMiPiz6VLi
A6 Share experiences and help them realize the issues they face are common even if they feel they aren't
A6 I also think we need to be open to learning from them if the opportunity presents itself
A6: Laugh...a lot...but not the crazy kind of lost ur mind maddening laugh. The sane one.
Q7: my best advice is to find a great . These are priceless for new sped teachers.
Yes! and always be cognizant to open up those opportunities.
A7: Without a doubt, connect with a PLN. I'm just learning how to connect and so wish this had been around in 1991 when I started.
Teacher voice laff!!!!!! https://t.co/OyWoGWjtck
A6: Laugh...a lot...but not the crazy kind of lost ur mind maddening laugh. The sane one.
Me too! They are my lifelines and I use them daily. Oh, how I wish I'd know then.....
ALWAYS make time for dance parties!
A7: I wish i had support when I was a 1st yr teacher. I have created a blog and online course for sped teachers.
A7: Find a mentor. Whatever stage you are in your career you can always benefit from a mentor!!!
A7: Biased here, BUT I wish I'd been in close contact w/ for assistive tech my 1st year. It changed EVERYTHING yr 2
A7: Definitely a PLN! I learn a lot from the folks. Also, GOOGLE EVERYTHING. Docs, sheets, slides, forms, chat, hangouts, etc.
That's awesome! What a great idea. :)
That may classify as the "insane one." Muahahaha and fade off slowly as u scan the room. Yeah, don't do that.
Seriously, Google changed my life. I heart all things Google.
Q7: Indiana's resource centers like and are extremely valuable free resources even for experienced Ts.
This literally made my night. Thank you!!
nah just makes you a happy SPED T!!!
thanks! I remember what it was like and how hard it can still be. I want to be that support for others.
I am to please my friend!!!!
Absolutely! Hold onto that super power when it's really needed!
Q8: Looking back, what was your best "I can't believe I actually did that!" moment as a new teacher? Any total "duh" moments?
A7: The power of an image or a video is unbelievable. Use that power to connect with students & families in most appropriate ways.
Absolutely! !! Couldn't imagine now not being a connected educator before!! https://t.co/rcqciYCqbS
A7: Without a doubt, connect with a PLN. I'm just learning how to connect and so wish this had been around in 1991 when I started.
A8: Giving Sts too much help. I learned quickly the need to push for independence and teach self-advocacy.
A8: I stuck to my guns and pushed until a student got the tinted glasses he needed for his dyslexia. Very scary to make that stand
A8: I had a few Ss too dependent on me & expectations were not high enough.
A8: I told my admin that it was either me or the Ss. One of us had to go. Yikes! We both stayed. :) And it was the best choice!
A8. I did not have a computer; or even ask for one. I went to weeks until the IT guy came by and said where is your computer!
Commendable one. Good standard set for a proactive teacher.
Me too, lady. Just about every day.
That's been my biggest area of growth over the years. The art of advocating with tact. Bottom line: all about kids
A8: I argued with a LOT of people to let a S try to get off the COC track when I realized he knew algebra and read on grade level.
Q8: Regular progress monitoring helped. Could gauge progress as an instructor & so rewarding at EOY to see growth.
"...with tact." Yes, the key to make things happen by positive means.
https://t.co/Wy8k3Ml784
That's been my biggest area of growth over the years. The art of advocating with tact. Bottom line: all about kids
My coteacher and I thought it was awesome having a Keurig in our classroom. Till sparks blew from our outlet & out went the Keurig
I just laughed out loud...oh, we have all been there! :)
A8: Not encouraging my students to be independent thinkers or self advocates! Boy have times changed!!!
Q9: In the ideal world, what one thing would you have every school do to help retain new SpEd (ALL) teachers?
People got sick of me walking into their office with my manila folders of unarguable data. I won :)
A8 District SPEDSuper.wanted a Ss in ALT class.In the meeting I opposed her didn't think it was correct .Ss stayed I was riffed!
I had a stove...someone put in a bag of donuts and forgot until they preheated lunch. Oops...smoke and flames.
Good for you! Worst case=St goes back on COC. What's there to lose?
A9: am i allowed to say pay a livable wage?
there's nothing worse than when you burn the bag of microwave popcorn
My thoughts (and argument) exactly! He's still diploma track though! 2 years from graduating but doing well!
A9: An experienced co-teacher in the room to provide support, encouragement, and feedback without doing the job for them.
A9: No more hearing "those are your kids." Make a true culture of a team always. GenEd-SpEd unite! (insert inflection & cape)
We are ALL teachers who care for, advocate for, and teach ALL students. We must be positive & celebrate this together as community
A9: Support, support, support! PD to show how collaboration should be in classrooms. More PD in SPED in general
All New ToRs should have a SpEd mentor and weekly support meetings.
A9: Light caseload for 1st year
Love this idea..wouldn't that be wonderful.
Admin support of eliminating "your" "my" vocabulary. The students are ALL of ours!!!!
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
Yes! That's why i created my online courses and blog for sped teachers.We all need more training that is relevant
A9 more time for the endless paperwork (because that's not going anywhere! )
See you Tuesday at 9:00 pm EST for the next .
Thank you Time well spent. Now lets all take our echo chamber on the road & share & show how amazing S will be.
Thanks good to back! https://t.co/El3bAPgkdI
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
