Special Education 101

What is special education?

Special education is a specialized form of instruction designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It involves tailored teaching methods, tools, and services to help students with physical, cognitive, emotional, or learning challenges achieve academic and developmental success.

Special education programs often include individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline specific goals and support services, ensuring that students receive the necessary accommodations to access the general curriculum and participate in school activities to the fullest extent possible.

My top 5 lessons learned as a special education teacher

1. You Need Systems to Stay Organized
Special education requires meticulous organization, especially when preparing for IEPs. I needed a structured process to ensure all required procedural safeguards were sent out, the appropriate general education teacher and key personnel were invited, and the goals were drafted. With so many moving pieces, I had to implement systems to track every detail—there was no way I could keep it all in my brain.

2. The Importance of Deadlines
Special education operates on strict legal timelines because parents have rights tied to specific deadlines. It was crucial for me to understand and track these deadlines to ensure that I provided the necessary documents and updates to parents and colleagues on time. This also applied to gathering data on IEP goals and other essential student progress indicators.

3. Finding a Way to Decompress from Work
Working closely with students with disabilities and their families can be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally exhausting. To avoid burnout, I had to develop strategies to decompress after work—whether through exercise, hobbies, or setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Checking out of work allowed me to return refreshed and fully present for my students.

4. Teaching Executive Function Skills is Key
Special education teachers can’t do everything alone. A critical lesson I learned was the importance of engaging students in their IEP goals and involving parents, instructional assistants, and general education teachers in the process. By empowering students to develop executive function skills and having a support network, I was able to avoid burnout while ensuring student success.

5. Special Education Work is Life-Changing
The impact of special education work is profound. Seeing parents cry with relief when their child finally receives the support they need, watching students transition from high school to college or employment—these moments confirmed the incredible value of this work. The fulfillment I gained from witnessing these transformations made every challenge worthwhile.

More on special education

Special education isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about truly supporting students in ways that help them thrive.

When we prioritize executive function skills, individualized support, and meaningful engagement, we equip students with the tools they need to succeed in and beyond the classroom.

The articles below dive deeper into supporting special education students.

Special education: IEP goals for executive functioning skills (2024)

Navigating Special Education: How to Get an IEP in 3 Steps (2023)

How to advocate for executive function coaching services (as part of the IEP)

How do I request additional assessment for a student who already has an IEP?

Run An Effective Study Skills Class for Middle & High School SPED Students

Looking for more articles about special education? I have a full list at the bottom of this page.

Simple guide to navigating special education
for educators

1. Know the Laws and Student Rights
Familiarize yourself with special education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. Understanding these rights ensures you can effectively support students and advocate for appropriate services.

2. Recognize When a Student May Need Support
If a student consistently struggles with learning, behavior, or social interactions, initiate the process of gathering data and collaborating with colleagues to determine if further evaluation is needed.

3. Contribute to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process
As an educator, your input is crucial in developing an IEP. Share classroom observations, provide data on student performance, and collaborate with special education staff to create meaningful goals and accommodations.

4. Implement and Monitor the IEP
Once an IEP is in place, ensure accommodations and modifications are consistently applied in your classroom. Track progress and communicate with the special education team about what’s working and what needs adjustments.

5. Understand the Role of Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
If parents request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), be open to the findings. These assessments can offer additional insights and help refine the support plan for the student.

6. Maintain Strong Communication with Families and Specialists
Regularly update families on student progress and collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and related service providers. A strong partnership leads to better student outcomes.

7. Differentiate Between an IEP and a 504 Plan
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services, while a 504 Plan offers accommodations to ensure access to the general curriculum. Knowing the difference helps you implement the right supports.

8. Foster Self-Advocacy Skills in Students
Teach students how to understand and articulate their needs, use accommodations effectively, and take ownership of their learning. Self-advocacy is a critical skill for lifelong success.

9. Collaborate with Colleagues for Inclusive Practices
Work with general education and special education staff to implement inclusive teaching strategies, differentiate instruction, and create a supportive learning environment for all students.

10. Stay Proactive and Flexible
Special education is a dynamic process. Be open to learning new strategies, adapting to students' changing needs, and continuously refining your approach to best support student success.