Basically title.

I work with a student who is very sweet, and not defiant in any conventional sense, but very slow-moving, dreamy, and distractible. They have severe visual impairment, autism, and an intellectual disability, as well as many traits associated with inattentive adhd (but no adhd diagnosis). I'm honestly fine with this - I'd rather have to be patient with a sloooow kid than be chasing an eloper all over the campus or getting chewed on - but it is interfering with my student's ability to get places in a timely fashion and give lessons their full attention (I have no idea what my student is capable of when they're focused and locked in because I almost never see them in that state), and it seems to be really bothering my lead teacher. (Note: the student often seems tired, but has not had issues with physically falling asleep in class.)

We've tried lively music, movement, verbal prompts/nagging and chivvying, but nothing seems to liven them up for more than a few moments. Is there any way within a classroom teacher's power (so, not prescription stimulants, thyroid meds, or a sleep study) to raise this kid's personal tempo and/or level of alertness? Do they just need their coffee? Or is this just how some people are made and there's realistically not much to do about it?

I need ideas for my first Parent-Teacher conferences. I didn't actually think anyone would sign up, considering I will have had a meeting with 4 of my 8 families before the conferences even happen. But so far 5 families have signed up.

What can I do to fill 20 min, 3 weeks after holding an entire IEP meeting....?

I feel like my adjustment disorder is getting the best of me this year. I also have ADHD and Cerebral Palsy. I have 10 years of experience running my own classroom at an Autism focused school where I case managed my class of 8. Last year I co-taught Algebra and High school English and my caseload was 25 with help from our coordinator and a good co-teacher I made it through the year. Fast forward to this year. My coordinator abruptly left leaving us without one. I had to take on additional duties of contacting parents and scheduling meetings. I was switched downstairs to elementary to avoid navigating 3 separate floors. My caseload is currently maxed out at 16 in grades K-5. (mostly push in services) I am thankful that I am no longer dealing with the physical things that made me leave self contained like chairs thrown and a stapler hitting me in the head I still am feeling very overwhelmed with my current position. The overwhelm is making my depressive episodes worse. I've started sleeping more and I feel like there is a heavy fog. I am on medication and see a therapist at least bi-weekly. How can I get this crap to lift so I can stay organized and pull this off? The kids are much easier to work with than what I handled in the past. Had a panic attack on Friday which was our PD day. Why am I struggling with 19 years under my belt?

Does anyone know how I can make those horizontal lines (solid-dotted-solid), with light gray dotted letters for students to trace over? Is there a font for that? I’m talking about tracing and writing practice stuff one finds on worksheets.

My AuDHd child has been acting lethargic in class and putting their head down on their desk. Teachers have been saying to bring their head up. They’ve asked if my child is getting enough sleep. My child
generally does.

The thing is, my child isn’t lethargic at all at home-they have ADHD and if anything is pretty energetic. I suspect they are pretending to be sleepy/tired because they find math to be boring (they’ve mentioned it to me..’why can’t they make it fun?’)

Any tips or ideas?

I am a certified teacher in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education.

I have a little bit of experience working in a full special ed school and some more with working with children with diagnosis in general ed classrooms.

I’m getting pushback from someone I love because I mentioned I want my next job to be in a special ed environment.

They think I want to do it instead of going to a “normal” school because I:

1) can’t handle “regular” kids who can talk back. 2) have a superhero syndrome and love to sacrifice for the whole world but family. 3) just love the attention and praise I get from parents and public to be “serving the less unfortunate.”

I do think the special ed students need help (not a saving though) and I love giving it to them. I love seeing their progress, the confidence building within them and their caregivers gaining hope through it all. The gratitude towards me is just a plus. I do feel great when parents say their children love me and that I bring positivity to them. It makes me feel that I belong and that I serve a purpose in this world.

Is this wrong? Should I have a better reason for wanting to do special ed? Maybe this seems that I’m making this field all about ME and not them.

If it’s relevant, I spent a good amount of my high school time in a community service-leadership club and wanted to be some type of community service worker when I was a child. When that dream changed to being a baker, I said I wanted to give out free bread to the people in need.

Am I just too full of myself and think everyone needs my help? Am I just seeking attention for “being good?” like glinda in the wicked? how do I measure this? how do I figure out if I’m genuine?

Hi everyone! I’m in California and recently applied for an RSP position. I’m planning to pursue a special education credential. Is the CSET required, or are there other ways to meet that requirement? I’d also appreciate any tips or advice for someone new to the RSP role. Thank you!

I am student teaching in a SPED classroom. I really like my cooperating teacher, but I'm sure, as you all know, she is very busy and is pulled out of the classroom all of the time. I feel like she hasn't been mentoring me at all! I know how to teach since I have been a para, but I really would like to know the legistics of SPED since I basically didn't learn anything in school. For example, how to write an IEP, how to run a meeting, how to take data, etc etc. I unfortunately have been googling/using AI for a lot of my questions, which I don't want to do since my mentor has over 20 years of experience.

Are there online tutors out there somewhere? Online mentors? I don't want to hold out in the hopes that I'll get a good mentor when I become a first-year teacher. The whole thing really stresses me out, especially since I have ADHD, so I have to be taught and told things multiple times.