Preparation for a new school year can be anxiety producing in a regular year. In this last year of teaching special education at an elementary school, I have been assigned 3 students on-site (so I have a classroom), and 5 online students. It took until Friday to receive 3 of the IEPs (Individual Education Plan). Everything in special education is framed by the goals/services/activities developed by the IEP team in discussion that includes parents, teachers, administrators, and service providers. Right now it is the Sunday before school starts on Monday and I only received the homeroom teachers for my online students today. I talked with all but one of my students’ parents yesterday. They hadn’t heard who their general education teacher was yet.
Wow, my schedule is full and I have 13 teachers, 5 paraprofessionals, and service providers with which to collaborate. It may be a tough year at the elementary level. On top of that, I am teaching Special Education Literacy at the local university which requires more school prep! Luckily the professor who designed this course did a wonderful job on the text and article selection on which to base my course!
It will all work out. I will enjoy the children and the adults that I am teaching. I will be in awe of the people I get to work with at school. It will be a great last year of teaching….eventually!
DocKLucas 