Launching a Career in Special Education

Your Action Plan for Success

by

Elizabeth A. Potts, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, Missouri

and

Lori A. Howard, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Special Education
Marshall University

Contents

• About the Authors
• Foreword Kristin L. Sayeski
• Preface
• Section I Introduction
  • Chapter 1 Getting Started
  • Book Setup
  • Create Your Own Planning Timeline
  • Beginning Your Journey
• Section II The Daily Work of a Teacher
  • Chapter 7 Behavior Management
    • Whole-Class Behavior Management
    • Managing Individual Behaviors
    • Choosing Motivators
    • Managing Your Behavior
    • Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
• Section III Beyond Instruction
  • Chapter 8 IEP: The Legal Document
    • Parts of the IEP
    • Running the Meeting
  • Chapter 9 Classroom Observations
    • Planning for Observations
    • Preparing Your Students
    • Preparing Your Environment for Observation
    • Feedback
    • Conducting Your Own Observations
• Section IV Working as a Professional Within a School
  • Chapter 10 Cooperating Teacher: Your New Best Friend and Mentor
    • Cooperating Teacher's Role
    • First Meet and Greet
    • Respecting the Cooperating Teacher
  • Chapter 14 Teaching as a Career
    • Getting the Job
    • Licensing and Certification
    • Professional Development and Continuous Improvement
    • Evaluation
    • Avoiding Burnout
• Appendix A High-Leverage Practices
• Appendix B Book List
• References
• Index

About the Authors

Elizabeth A. Potts, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education with a focus on mild disabilities from the University of Virginia.
Lori A. Howard, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of special education, recognized for teaching excellence and specializing in various strategies for students with disabilities.

Foreword

The initial dive into teaching represents a critical juncture between aspiration and perspiration. In this book, Elizabeth A. Potts and Lori A. Howard serve as mentors, guides, and confidants as you make your way through this challenging but rewarding initiation into teaching. The information within reflects the wisdom they have accumulated as practitioners and scholars.

Preface

As authors, we aim to support teachers in increasing their positive impact on students. This book combines practical advice with professional insight to assist novice special educators as they navigate their careers.

Introduction

Beginning something new can be scary. This book is designed to be your field guide through the complexities of special education. Each chapter is structured in a predictable format to enhance your understanding.

Getting Started

Starting your journey can be overwhelming. This book will help you prioritize tasks and navigate the classroom environment effectively.

Book Setup

Each chapter contains special topic textboxes designed for rich connections between chapters, covering planning timelines, ethical alerts, considerations for ELL students, and more.

Reflection Prompts

Reflection is crucial for growth as an educator. At the end of each chapter, use reflection prompts to consider how you can apply learned concepts in your teaching.

• Have weekly check-in with Mrs.G about JS. | | Thursday, March 15 | | | Friday, March 16 | - Special assembly-Confirm which students are going with which class. Am I taking any students? |

Final Thoughts

Preparation is key. Reflect on the positive moments throughout your teaching journey, capturing the things that reinforce your commitment to making a difference in your students' lives.