New Special Ed Teacher Answers

Help for Special Educators

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Kaylene Durbin, a college student who is just starting her credential program. Today we revisit the questions she asked last time. Not only will I attempt to answer them, but I got help from other special educators online, and some have been past guests on the show! Listen in as we answer questions that aspiring or new teacher might have. (Note that part one of this conversation is called, “New Special Ed Teacher Questions” and was episode 13).
Questions answered in this episode:

• Besides learning classroom management, what are other benefits of teaching general ed a few years before becoming a special educator?
• What are for working with a student with ED (Emotional Disturbance) who might be in your class?
• What accommodations are the hardest to implement?
• Why do sped teachers say that paperwork the hardest?
• What is some general advice for new teachers, or for college students pursuing a teaching credential?

Guest: Kaylene Durbin
Hi there! I’m Kaylene Durbin and I’m almost a teacher! I am finishing my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at Fresno State and will then begin the DUAL credential program (which included both Multiple Subjects and Special Education credentials). I currently work for California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF) which gives me the opportunity to work inside a general education classroom.
I’ve had a passion for working with children since I was 12 years old. In my undergraduate program, I was required to observe in a special ed classroom and it was there that I fell in love with the environment and the students. I want to become a special educator so I can help students find success both academically and socially.
Links and Resources:

• Listen to Part 1 of this conversation here
• Zones of Regulation Program
• Here are Lisa's podcast episodes that go into more detail on Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP): Episode 5: How to Support Students with Behavior Plans and Episode 7: Talk Data to Me
• Teachers Need Teachers Podcast, hosted by Kim Lepre. You might be interested in listening to Episode 71: Giving advice for new elementary teachers (not sped, but most of the tips work for both).
• Closed Special Ed Teacher group on Facebook: Sped Ahead
• Check out Lisa's new special ed teacher resources in her TpT Store (including freebies)
• Check out Lisa's blog, which has lots of articles which would interest new special ed teachers, both resource or self-contained, etc.

Special Thanks:
I want to thank those who helped answer Kaylene's questions. I have provided links for those who requested it (if I don't have your link listed, send it to me and I will add it).

• Jenn Hunter (guest on Episode 11) of Mrs Hunter Helps Here
• Colleen Vagnozzi
• Tiffany Manha (guest on Episode 1)
• Heather Alexander Ayers
• Kim Lepre,