Teaching Tips

1. Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Although it is difficult to obtain accurate figures, between three and ten percent of college students report having physical or learning disabilities that require compensatory classroom teaching accommodations.
2. Anita Archer Special Education Teaching Strategies: Teachers like Dr. Anita Archer have gone on to develop specific teaching strategies that can apply not only to special education students but to all learners.
3. Disabilities and Special Education: This page contains links to lesson plans and resources for students with disabilities, particularly those receiving special education.
4. Educating Children with Special Needs: One of the most critical steps in aiding children with learning disabilities is early detection and intervention.
5. Invervention Techniques: Students studying special education at the University of Virginia Curry School of Education and East Tennessee State University College of Education read and summarized scores of research articles about teaching techniques for exceptional learners.
6. Special Education: This entire site addresses special eduction, including programs, teaching plans and other resources.
7. Special Education in the Science Classroom: Strategies for Success: The first principle underlying this road map to scientific literacy is that science is for all students.
8. Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities: This site carries information ranging from specific disorders to teaching techniques and offers individual lesson plans.
9. Teaching Resources for Learning Disabilities: The Learning Disabilities section of this About.com site offers a wide variety of resources for teaching, including tips and tools you may need for effective instruction.
10. Teaching Special Education: This site focuses on assisting the teacher in preparing more effective lesson plans for the whole class and for each individual student.
11. Teaching Strategies for Students with Learning Needs [PDF]: This material uses the Nebraska K-12 Social Studies Framework specifically, but the adaptations and suggestions can be applied to other curricular areas.
12. Teaching Tips and Strategies: About.com’s Special Education’s module provides a number of strategies and tips to help special education teachers deal with the many challenges of teaching children with disabilities.

Specific Techniques

13. 50 Tips on the Classroom Management of ADD: The suggestions provided here are intended for teachers in the classroom, teachers of children of all ages.
14. A Dyslexic Child in the Classroom: How to integrate the dyslexic child into the class environment, where he/she can feel comfortable and develop confidence and self esteem.
15. Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Handwriting Problems and/or Dysgraphia: For some students and situations, accommodations will be inadequate to remove the barriers that their writing problems pose.
16. Education Resources and Teaching Sites: This directory is for teachers, providing articles, research, curriculum, assessment and learning styles for students with ADHD.
17. Education Techniques For Children With Cerebral Palsy: Teachers who have students with this disorder in their classrooms should read information on cerebral palsy when considering educational accommodations.
18. Hard of Hearing and Deaf Students: A Resource Guide to Support Classroom Teachers: This resource guide for teachers is provided by the BC Ministry of Special Education.
19. How to Teach Pivotal Behaviors to Children with Autism: A Training Manual: The examples in the manual focus on family interactions between individuals with autism and their parents and siblings.
20. Internet Resources for Special Children: IRSC tackles every known learning disorder and provides teaching and parenting tools and techniques.
21. Modifications for Students with Tourette Syndrome, Attention-Deficit Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, and the associated disorders of ADHD and OCD require that modifications be made in the classroom setting due to the neurological origin of the disorder.
22. New Teaching Methods for Deaf Children: François Grosjean, professor for psycholinguistics at the University of Neuchâtel, has researched the bilingual concept in educating deaf children.
23. Online Resources for Teaching Blind Students: An extensive list of online resources for teaching blind students, from text accessibility to tactile graphic resources.
24. Teaching Methods for Dyslexic Children: Studies from the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development have shown that for children with difficulties learning to read, a multi-sensory teaching method is the most effective approach or treatment.
25. Teaching Strategies and Content Modifications for the Child with Deaf-Blindness: An examination of a variety of issues that might be addressed for three different children with disabilities in a regular preschool class.
26. The Arc: For 60 years, The Arc has been on the front lines in making change happen for people diagnosed with a range of diagnoses across the spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
27. The Behavior Home Page: The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at UK (SERC) are collaborating on this Web page on student behavior.

Collaborative Teaching

28. American Academy of Special Education Professionals: AASEP dedicates its efforts and resources to the enhancement of the academic, psychological, physical, and social needs of infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and young adults receiving services for their special needs.
29. Collaboration Between General and Special Education Teachers: This Digest explores the facets of this new collaboration between general and special education teachers, termed “cooperative teaching.”
30. Inclusive Teaching: Inclusive Teaching means teaching in ways that do not exclude students, accidentally or intentionally, from opportunities to learn. Includes teaching strategies.
31. Integrating Inquiry and Technology into the Middle School Curriculum: Make It Happen! is an approach that improves middle school education for students with diverse learning abilities.
32. LD Online: This section includes articles about how to create a useful IEP, understanding the IEP process, and the importance of good communication.
33. Learning Disabilities Association of America: Parents and teachers can use the tools and techniques offered by this group. LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization advocating for individuals with learning disabilities.
34. Models of Inclusion — Four Techniques for Successful Implementation: In response to the call for full inclusion, several alternative service delivery models have been developed and implemented.
35. National Association of Special Education Teachers: NASET provides members with a variety of teaching tools and techniques. NASET is the only national membership organization dedicated solely to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.
36. Research in Special Education: Scientific Methods and Evidence-based Practices [PDF]: The purpose of this paper is to set the context for the development of research quality indicators and guidelines for evidence of effective practices provided by different methodologies.
37. Special Education Advisor: This site is suitable for parents as well as for teachers to understand special needs and teaching techniques.
38. Special Needs Resource Magazine: Cindy Golden is the editor of Special Needs Resource Magazine. She is now serving as the principal of a program for students with severe behavioral disabilities, neuro-cognitive disabilities and autism.
39. Teachers Helping Teachers Special Education: This site provides a number of activities that are specifically geared toward teaching basic skills to special students.
40. Understanding Special Education: This site, intended for parents, also contains teaching techniques and tools.

To help accomplish this, we have gathered 40 must see YouTube videos to learn about effective special education teaching methods. In addition to teaching a few techniques that can help all sorts of students learn, they can help you learn everything from the basics of special education all the way up to policy practices in the area.

Must-See Introductory YouTube Videos To Learn About Effective Special Education Teaching Methods

1. Introduction to Special Education
   This video targets the parents of special needs children. It covers the education process including evaluation, referral, the Individualized Education Plan, and annual review. It was made by the DPI and the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative.
2. Special Education Success Stories
   See what happens when special education goes right in this video. The video showcases the special school O’Hearn in Massachusetts. The basics of teaching a child with special needs are discussed.
3. A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher
   This is a profile of the SCB, or school community based special education program at James Hubert Blake high school in Montgomery County, Maryland. A team of teachers, administrators, and specialists come together each day to support and teach these students. A good choice for both parents and teachers.
4. A Day in the Life
   Similar to the above, this video also follows special education teachers. It is provided by Career One Stop, which has more on their main site.
5. Special Education IEP Meeting
   Parents of special needs children can face many obstacles. In this automated video, parents can learn what to expect from a meeting with a special education advisor. The main site has more.
6. Flashcards
   Both special needs and other students will enjoy this flashcard presentation. It was made for a six month old baby to learn English. However, over two million have stopped by to see it themselves.
7. Phonics Alphabet Sounds for Children
   Like the above, any student can enjoy this video. It helps teach the letters and sounds of each letter of the alphabet. Pictures to accompany words are also useful.
8. Grace
   Get the story of a family with a child with Down syndrome in this video. It is a short documentary discussing the little girl and her parents. They discuss challenges, joys, and more.

Must-See YouTube Videos for Teachers To Learn About Effective Special Education Teaching Methods

9. Special Education CD
   The people at Helping to Grow share this video on teaching special needs children. In it, you can see how a simple computer program can do wonders. It was designed for students with autism, PDD, and other learning difficulties.
10. Relaxation Techniques
    Teachers of any child can use these techniques to help children relax. A teacher and her students discuss what tension looks like. They also delve into how to relax.
11. Special Education Teachers
    This informational video shows what special education needs teachers do and how they interact with their students. A range of expectations and responsibilities is also shared.
12. The Classroom of David Whitt
    He is a real life special education teacher. In these series of videos, he shares more on how to teach to special needs children. This particular one was about setting up the classroom.
13. Introduction iPods Into Special Education
    Those little devices aren’t just for jogging music. This video shows how iPods can be useful in special education teaching. The classroom is at the Special School District of Saint Louis County.
14. Assistive Technology
    Kathy is a special education teacher and the star of this short video. She demonstrates a few technology pieces she uses in the classroom. The Tech Speak is one of the few she uses.
15. How to Teach Special Phonics Sounds
    Learn about teaching phonics to children with help from a state-certified teacher in this free video on teaching special phonics sounds. Expert Ileana Padilla-Boyd has a few tips for the practice. Useful for all kinds of students.
16. Teaching Strategies in Special Education
    In special education, the standard course of study should be modified and simplified to help kids with special needs to remember. Learn about research-based instructional programs that are used to teach reading in special education with help from a special education teacher in this free video on teaching strategies in special education.

Must-See YouTube Videos To Learn About Effective Autism Teaching Methods

17. Autism Therapy
    In this video, a teacher and her autistic student conduct therapy methods. The video is especially outstanding for being show in real time with no edits. The main sites have more.
18. 10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
    Many autistic children have trouble expressing themselves. This YouTube video shows what autistic children are thinking but can’t always express. What they like and don’t like is shared.
19. Picture Exchange
    Because many autistic children communicate visually, click here to learn more about picture exchange communication. Cards are used to help the child communicate.
20. How to Recognize the Early Signs of Autism
    Every teacher and parent should watch this video to learn to know what to look for in infant behavior. Because early detection can help treat autism, it is important to know. Visual and hearing cues are shared.
21. How to Teach Social Skills to Autistic Children
    This video is brought to YouTube by Naturally Autistic. It shows that autistic children learn to socialize best when done in a natural environment with family, friends, and community. It also features inspiration.
22. Autistic Boy at 2
    See what an autistic child looks like as a toddler in this video. Bubba has several YouTube videos in which you can monitor his progress. Over 100,000 have tuned in to check it out.
23. Using Visuals to Teach Autistic Students
    Token boards, distraction-free photo flash cards, photo schedules, and augmentative communication devices help autistic students to learn. These include communications, daily living, and more. Check out how Silver Lining MM can help.
24. Teaching Life Skills to Autistic Teenager
    This video is part of the How to Teach Life Skills series from eHow. Dr. Darren Adams narrates the videos. The most difficult skill to teach is also discussed.
25. Math and Numeracy
    It can be plenty hard to teach a student these subjects even if they don’t have a learning disability. However, this video shows how an ABA system and an iPhone app can help teach autistic children both.

Other Must-See YouTube Videos To Learn About Effective Special Education Teaching Methods

26. Making the Sensational Happen
    Those interested in teaching children with vision problems should watch this video. It focuses on the Blind Children’s Center whose mission is to optimize each child’s development by providing a special education/vision program within a fully inclusive mulch-disciplinary model. Their main site has more.
27. 10 Things People With Down Syndrome Would Like You to Know
    This video is much like the one for autism. A short slideshow features the things that others should most know about those with Down syndrome. Many misconceptions are deconstructed.
28. Teaching Strategies for Disruptive Students
    Because any student can be disruptive, click here. Teachnology helps discuss useful teaching methods. This particular one focuses on disruptive students.
29. Working With Children With Special Needs
    The students at the Personal Demons Project discuss their work here. From Rotherham, they talk about working with students with special needs. Also a good tool for students who want to help other students.
30. Yoga for Children With Special Needs
    Proving that there is yoga for just about everything is this video. Aras Baskauskas teaches children with special needs yoga. A few of the moves are shared, as well as students participating in it.
31. Yoga and Children With Down Syndrome
    Similar to the above, this video focuses on yoga for children with special needs, particularly Down syndrome. Taught and produced by Lucia Cordeiro Drever, she features the first chapter of a DVD of the same name. You can purchase the full version on her site.
32. Daily Routines for Teaching Deaf Children
    If your students have hearing problems, click here. It is a video that gives examples of daily routines in teaching vocabulary and language for the deaf. The Color of Language site has more.
33. Cerebral Palsy and Physical Therapy
    See how physical therapy can help special needs students here. Noreen Scott is a pediatric physical therapist and the owner of a Georgia based center. It also tells parents and teachers what to expect from those with cerebral palsy.

Must-See YouTube Videos To Learn About Effective Special Education Teaching Policy

34. Rick Lavoie
    He is an expert who specializes in special education. Also the author of “It’s Hard Work to be Your Friend,” he discusses more on this interview with “The Today Show.”
35. The Inclusive Classroom
    Learn about why children with disabilities should stay in the classroom with their peers in this video. It discusses how the inclusive method can benefit all.
36. Inclusion is Belonging
    Similar to the above, this video discusses more on the topic of inclusion. It is provided by Torrieat KIT. Also a good choice for kids.
37. Accommodations for Children With Vision Disabilities
    Torrie Dunlap discusses the best accommodations for students with vision disabilities. She features an actual teacher and students demonstrating tips and recommendations.
38. Education Policy in the Next Administration
    This discussion took place before the 2008 presidential election was held. A panel of experts at the New American Foundation discussed what the future for education holds. Special education is also discussed.
39. The Future of Special Needs Policy
    Matthew Taylor gives his thoughts on how government policy could be better tailored to support those with special needs. A short, three minutes is shared, as well as his thoughts and experiences in working with special needs.
40. History of Special Education
    In order to better shape the future, the history of special education is taught in this video. It’s beginnings in the days of World War II are shared, as well as the laws passed regarding special needs. They also have a link with more.

Remember that the above 40 must see YouTube videos to learn about effective special education teaching methods are supplementary. If looking to teach a special needs child or suspect your child might have special need, please contact a licensed professional.

Special Needs Teachers Share

1. Bilingual Special Ed: Get splenty of tips and insights on teaching bilingual special education.
2. Education on the Plate: Deven Black became a special education/social studies teacher at the age of 50. He writes that, “teaching is the most difficult, lowest paying and most rewarding [job].” Great inspiration.
3. Learning Disabilities Blog: Ann Logsdon is a school psychologist specializing in helping parents and teachers support students with a range of educational and developmental disabilities.
4. Making Special Education Actually Work: This blog is meant to enlighten and empower all responsible adults to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, receive a free and appropriate public education.
5. Simple is Working: Harold Shaw is a special education teacher who returned to teaching after 15 months at a government job. This is his personal blog site “as I move towards a slower and more thoughtful way of living.”
6. Special 2 Me: Follow the adventures of a special ed teacher in L.A. and pick up some inspirational ideas on how to become a better teacher.
7. Special Education and Learning Differences: By focusing on students’ strengths and not just their weaknesses, you enable your students to achieve greater goals, improve social skills, and increase self-confidence.
8. Special Education Strategies And More…A place for teachers and parents of children with special needs to find positive strategies that promote academic, social and emotional growth.
9. Successful Teaching: Nationally Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist, this teacher offers tips and advice for teaching exceptional needs kids.
10. Teach Effectively! Gain inspiration from evidence-based teaching methods for helping students who are at risk for school failure or who have disabilities.
11. Teachers at Risk: Elona Hartjes, a special education teacher, candidly shares her experiences and provides helpful and encouraging advice along with practical classroom strategies.
12. Teaching Children with Special Needs: The trials and triumphs of working with special needs populations.
13. Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Excellent resources and ideas for teachers of learners with severe, profound, intensive, significant, complex or multiple special needs.
14. Teaching Students with Learning Difficulties: This blog is for teachers, lecturers and support staff working with students with learning difficulties 16+.
15. The Life That Chose Me: Get ideas and inspiration for teaching special education classes from this high school teacher who has two children with special needs.

Inspirational Resources

16. All Together We Can: This blog is primarily authored by Samuel Sennott, who is a PhD Candidate at The Pennsylvania State University, focused on augmentative and alternative communication, universal design for learning, and assistive technologies.
17. Children With Special Needs: Terri Mauro has two children with special needs: a 21-year-old with language-based learning disabilities and a 18-year-old with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, both adopted from Russia in 1994.
18. Daniela’s Journey to Independence: This blog follows a young woman’s journey to overcome my disabilities and become an independent adult.
19. Education Week on Special Education: Education Week reporter Nirvi Shah tracks news and trends of interest to the special education community, including administrators, teachers, and parents.
20. LeadCast Blog: NIUSI-LeadScape, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, is developing a professional community of school principals of inclusive schools.
21. NCPAD Blog: This site is committed to being an open forum where all things relating to disability and/or physical activity can be discussed honestly among readers.
22. Reality 101: Reality 101 is a blog written for new special education teachers, by new special education teachers. It is maintained by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the premier association for special education professionals.
23. Special Needs Resource Magazine: This online resource provides information and resources to parents and teachers to assist children with special needs.
24. SpeEdChange: The future of education for all the different students in democratic societies.
25. Teacher Sol: This teacher is board certified, special needs and an activist to boot. Pure inspiration and a fire that burns for teacher excellence.
26. Teaching All Students: A blog about special education, technology and learning for all students.
27. Teaching Blog Addict: This is an international community of teachers, home educators, parents, mentors, and tutors who love teaching and who want children to love learning.
28. The Family Center on Technology and Disability: FCTD is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities.
29. The Shut-Down Learner: There are common themes with most shut-down learners, even if personality variables result in different styles. Learn more about this type of learner here.
30. Try Therapy: Breaking down the barrier between mental and physical health, social media marketing, social gaming and food.

Creative and Inspirational Teaching Blogs

31. Art Education 2.0: Use this community blog and resource to connect with art educators.
32. Creative Teaching: Useful tips and suggestions from Fascinate-Educate.
33. Gentle Teaching: Gentle teaching is a way of supporting people with special vulnerabilities, in which developing companionship is the central focus.
34. ICS Education 2.0 Blog: This blog is intended for teachers, learners, instructional designers and developers as a place to share practical ideas about the application of Web 2.0 tools, websites and other resources.
35. Inspiring Teachers: You are invited to join with other teacher leaders and dedicated educators as a part of this growing professional association.
36. Leading and Learning: This blog a great opportunity to share ideas about ways to transform schooling to help all students realize their talents passions and dreams.
37. Portable Radio: Since May 2006, students from A. Lorne Cassidy E.S., South March Public School and Berrigan Elementary have been involved in a portable radio podcast — get some ideas and lesson tips from this group.
38. The Carrot Revolution: This blog is an art education resource for art educators, art students, and artists in the digital age.
39. The PE Geek: If you want to learn how to incorporate physical activity and technology, let Mr. Robbo show you how.
40. The Teaching Palette: The Teaching Palette is a blog dedicated to the teachers who constantly work on perfecting the art of education.

Whether you are using your BlackBerry for reference, or whether you are using one of the applications that can help you organize your life and your lesson plans, you might find that a smart phone can make your job as a teacher a little easier. Here are 27 great BlackBerry apps that teachers can use:

Planning and Organizing Applications

Stay on top of things with these BlackBerry apps. You can plan your schedule, keep track of important dates, and even make lesson plans. These are great organizers.

1. Teacher Pro for BlackBerry: This is perfect for teachers who want to track all sorts of information. Keep track of classes, and manage student lists and grades. A great organizational tool. Cost: $5.99
2. Notes Today for BlackBerry: Take notes, make reminders, and keep track of to-dos. You can manage by date, and you can also view notes. Great for jotting down teaching ideas and keeping track of lesson plans. Cost: $5.99
3. Behavior Tracker Pro: Use this BlackBerry app to keep track of student behavior and progress. A great way to track students and keep up with their behavioral needs. Cost: $29.99
4. Agendus: You can integrate notes, calendar and more with this great BlackBerry application. Create lesson schedules, and keep track of meetings with students. Keep track of parent contact info for each student. Cost: $19.99
5. e-Mobile Planner: You can get your life organized with the help of this great application. Keep your assignments, appointments and other items planned and organized. Cost: $19.99
6. Project Planner: It’s not exactly for teachers, but it is a great app for organization. Use it to create milestones. You can also use it for class milestones. Create class projects with this app. A good way to be organized. Cost: $3.99
7. Planners Combo: This is about organizing your ideas. This is a great way to keep track of notes. Perfect for organizing your thoughts. You can use this idea app to keep up with your lesson plans, and send ideas to others, including your principal and fellow teachers. Cost: $6.99
8. Onyx Organizer: You can customize fonts and icons when you use this organizer. It’s a great tool for organizing your classes, your home life and your appointments. Cost: $1.99
9. Blackboard Mobile Learn: If you are a college teacher, and your campus has Blackboard, you can access it with the help of this BlackBerry app. A great addition to your arsenal. Cost: Free

Educational Applications and Teaching Tools

These applications can help the kids in your class learn. These educational BlackBerry apps might even be able to give you some good ideas for teaching your students.

10. Scientific American Geography Knowledge Cards: Great tools for preparing a geography lesson. These knowledge cards offer plenty of information and more. Cost: $4.99
11. MoonAlmanac: Use this BlackBerry app to prepare lessons related to the moon. You can easily navigate to figure out where the moon will be, and what phase it will show. A great educational tool. Cost: $2.99
12. Bookworm: Awesome word challenge to help you teach children. You can use at as a learning game for kids, or you can use it to formulate ideas for a literacy lesson plan. Cost: $6.99
13. Science Trivia: Get an expansion pack with 300 science questions. Great for putting together lesson plans. Cost: $0.99
14. Scientific American The Human Body Knowledge Cards: Great for preparing lessons on anatomy. Cost: $4.99
15. Learn to Read: A simple app for elementary school teachers who want to help their kids learn how to read. Cost: $0.99
16. Astronomy Encyclopedia: Information about astronomy. Great for teachers. You can find interesting information for your students. Cost: $5.99
17. gFlashPro Flashcards: Use these flashcards to quiz students. It’s a great way to help your students learn. Customize according to the needs of your classes. Cost: $4.99

Reference Applications

If you need to look something up, or perform calculations, these applications might be for you. Use these reference apps to find out what you need to know, and keep the information you need right at your fingertips.

18. Dictionary and Thesaurus: This great reference tool can keep you on top of things. A perfect reference for spelling, definitions, synonyms (and antonyms), and more. Everything you need for basic word smithing. Cost: Free
19. Pocket 10C SE Scientific Calculator: Use this calculator in science and math lessons. A great reference tool that ensures that you have all the calculations you need at your finger tips. Cost: $6.99
20. gCalcPro Graphing Calculator: You can get access to graphing functions. Very useful as you prepare lessons, or if you want to double check calculations. Perfect for secondary school teachers. Cost: $6.99
21. gRefPro Reference Guides: This is cool. You can create your own reference guide. As a teacher, you can customize your own reference, depending on what you need. Perfect for keeping track of materials covered in class, and for use for tests and quizzes. Cost: $3.99
22. Periodic Table: If you are teaching science, especially chemistry, this can be a very useful reference tool. Perfect for teachers who want the information found in the periodic table right at their fingers. Includes information on each element, and plenty of helpful features, including the ability to add your own notes. Cost: $0.99
23. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: You can make use of one of the most trusted names in reference when you get a Britannica encyclopedia for your BlackBerry. Cost: $19.99
24. Wikipedia Offline Reader (Plus Edition): This is a great reference that you can use even when you are not online. Perfect for teachers who might not always have access to the Internet while teaching. Look up various subjects. Be careful, though, Wikipedia isn’t authoritative. But the references at the end are great places to start. Cost: $14.99
25. ABCs of Science (ebook): Great titles for science. You can get some good references regarding science, and ideas for assignments for the class. Cost: $0.99
26. Grammar Reference: Helpful reference related to grammar. Great for checking items as a teacher, and for ideas on teaching lessons. Cost: $0.99
27. Scientific Method App: Reference different formulas for science and math. Physics, algebra, computer science, and more. Cost: $0.99

The following individuals are listed in no particular order, as we have not ranked these individuals by accomplishments.

1. Kim Mercer: Mercer, a 1986 graduate of Southwestern College, has provided social work services to Winfield youth and families since 1986. She is the school social work program coordinator for USD 465. She offers direct social work services at Lowell Elementary and Country View Elementary as well as being involved in district activities and was the recipient of the 2010 2010 Marilyn McNeish Special Education award.
2. Dr. David Lazerson: Dr. Lazerson is a special education and music director, pre-kindergarten – 22 years, The Quest Center, Hollywood, Florida. David uses individualized instruction, hands-on materials, and a multi-modality approach, along with adaptive technology and the motivational power of music in his classroom. He has won numerous awards, dating back to 1981 when he was Teacher of the Year, Buffalo, New York Public Schools.
3. Deanne Perkins: Perkins is a teacher and serves as chair of the Department of Special Education at Kingsley Junior High in Normal. She is a National Board certified teacher and is an enthusiastic supporter of the vital partnerships — fieldwork and student teaching — between Illinois State’s Department of Special Education and colleagues in her department.
4. Carolyn Reid Bond: Bond received her BA in special education in 1963 at the University of Kentucky. She is a former first lady of the state of Missouri who led a multi-million dollar campaign to restore the Missouri Governor’s mansion in the early 1980′s. Bond has remained active in support of special education. In 1973, she initiated and organized a day for persons with disabilities at the Missouri State Fair, an event that continues to this day. She was named to the UK Alumni Hall of Fame in 2002.
5. Larry Statler: Larry helped create the Discovery program that is a model of successful collaboration between special and general educators. The program enables students of all ability levels to work in an environment designed to empower every child to achieve his or her maximum potential while fostering self-esteem and an understanding and acceptance of individual differences. He has received several awards, among them the California Council Of Administrators Of Special Education Award and Walt Disney’s American Teacher Award.
6. Liza Lee, EdD: Lee is an associate professor in the department of early childhood development and education at Chaoyang University of Technology in Taichung, Taiwan. Dr. Lee conducts research in both early childhood music education and music therapy in the treatment of special needs children. She currently is conducting workshops with early education and special needs teachers in the Hudson Valley, teaching SUNY Ulster students and visiting agencies that work with children.
7. Alice-Ann Darrow: Alice-Ann Darrow, Irvin Cooper Professor of Music Therapy and Music Education, came to Florida State University in 2003 from The University of Kansas. She received her BM, BME, MM, and PhD degrees at Florida State University, and taught in music programs for students with and without disabilities in Miami, Florida before going to the University of Kansas. She has been the recipient of over twenty federal, university, or corporate grants, and published numerous monographs, research articles, and book chapters.
8. Lynn and Doug Fuchs: The Fuchs have developed an early screening process, which screens all children using a host of standardized tests, reading and math assessments and oral skills to determine their risk of learning disabilities. They found 20 percent of children are at risk for severe difficulties, but all but five percent of these respond to their brand of intensive tutoring and return to typical classrooms. Their approach has reduced the number of kids enrolled in costly special needs classes.
9. Mary Beth Bruder: Dr. Bruder is professor of pediatrics and director of the University of Connecticut A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. She was the 2009 recipient of the Mary McEvoy Service to the Field Award from the Division for Early Childhood, part of the Council for Exceptional Children, in Missoula, Montana. The Division for Early Childhood recognized her contributions to the fields of early intervention and early childhood special education.
10. Judith J. Carta, PhD: Judith J. Carta, Ph.D., is director of early childhood research at the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, a Senior Scientist in the Institute for Life Span Studies, and Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Winner of several awards, she also is responsible for over 100 publications in peer- reviewed journals. She is currently the Co-Director of the IES-funded Center for Response to lntervention in Early Childhood.
11. Joan Smith and Dawn Fabbro: Although not educators, these mothers of Down’s Syndrome adult children blazed a path for inclusive education for children with special needs in the Montclair Public School System, New Jersey. With perseverance, the support they received from other parents of children with disabilities and the support of some teachers and administrators, they accomplished their goal of inclusive education for their children at a time when it was not fashionable.
12. Deborah L. Voltz: Voltz is the first black dean in University of Alabama’s history to head the university’s School of Education. A Birmingham native who has taught at UAB since 2003, Voltz was, previously, a Birmingham public schools teacher. She will also continue in her position as the director of UAB’s Center for Urban Education. Voltz received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education at the National College of Education in Evanston, Ill., her master’s degree in education at UAB and her doctorate of education from the University of Alabama.
13. James McLeskey: A lifetime of research productivity, masterly teaching and inspirational leadership has earned UF special education professor James McLeskey the prestigious 2010 TED/Merrill Award for Excellence in Teacher Education, awarded by the Council for Exceptional Children. McLeskey, director of the College of Education’s new Center for Disability Policy and Practice, was the college’s chairman of special education for 10 years through 2008.
14. Linda Mason: Mason is associate professor of special education at Penn State’s College of Education, and was recently named the recipient of the Distinguished Early Career Research Award for the Council of Exceptional Children. This award recognizes Linda’s research in effective writing instruction for students with disabilities.
15. Stephanie Al Otaiba: Al Otaiba is an associate professor in the Florida State University School of Teacher Education and researcher with the university’s Florida Center for Reading Research. She is the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Early Career Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Research. Al Otaiba’s research relates to the prevention of early reading difficulties through early literacy intervention.

For Your iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you have a wonderful teaching and classroom tool. There are already lots of classroom tools and applications for iPhone, and there are certainly many more to come. Check out these five. You’ll also want to recommend some of them to your student’s parents.

1. TED: TED stands for Technology, Education and Design. This nonprofit organization that exists basically to enlighten the world. TED can give you tons of ideas for your classroom and even for your personal life.

2. Model Me Going Places: This is a tool you can use right in the classroom. It is designed to help children navigate challenging locations in the community.
3. Sentence Builder and Question Builder: Geared toward elementary school children, these applications help children build grammatically correct sentences.
4. IEP Checklist: Make sure you’re considering every step as you develop an IEP for a child with this user friendly app. This is a great app for parents whose children are on an Individualized Education Plan, too.
5. Web Reader: Uses text to speech technology for reading web pages allowed. This may be a great tool for helping some of your children use web pages in the classroom.

For Your Computer

Of course, not every teacher has an iPhone. But, don’t despair; there are plenty of great applications for special education teachers that you can use on your home or classroom computer, too.

6. Curriki: This is a collaborative tool that allows teachers to share curriculum and lesson plan ideas. Learn what other special education teachers are doing in their classrooms and share your unique ideas as well.
7. Teacher Tube: Originally part of You Tube, Teacher Tube is a focused video sharing site that holds videos of interest to teachers. The videos range from those you could actually use in the classroom with your students to those that are designed to help you solve classroom issues and get new ideas for presenting lesson plans and motivating your students.
8. Brain Honey: This application includes instant access for one instructor and multiple students, online content authoring, mapping tools, personalized lesson plans, a student portal and a dynamic online grade book. It’s a tool every teacher can use.
9. Class Marker: Generate your own tests and have them graded for you automatically. It can also send grades to parents for you.
10. Moodle: Moodle is a virtual learning environment that educators use to create online learning sites. Make your own Moodle sites geared toward your students’ need and abilities.
11. School Rack: The app allows teachers to build colorful, customizable websites, while storing mailing lists and moderating private discussions with students and/or parents. You can really make and use a website for your own classroom with this great application.

Teachers of all kinds are always looking for more and better applications and tools for themselves, their students and their classrooms. These are just a few of the many applications out there that can make your job easier and more productive. There are also plenty of applications that can help you keep your students more engaged and more productive.

Don’t stop with these applications! More are coming out every day, and you’re likely to find that a wide range of them will work for your classroom and teaching situation. The internet is one of the greatest tools to come along in decades, and it is a particularly effective tool for teachers because children are so drawn to it and because today’s children, even many of those with special needs, love it and are accustomed to using it. So, take advantage of all the applications you can find to make your classroom come alive for you and your students.

1. A Parent’s Guide to Special Education: This book is very helpful for parents of children who are in need of special education. A Parent’s Guide to Special Education helps parents of kids with special needs overcome many obstacles throughout their education. This encyclopedic volume is written by a pair of psychologists from Florida who maintain in this book that it is not enough to ask questions, but it is important to ask the right questions.



2. A Sociology of Special Education: This book is aimed toward broadening the debate about special education by introducing sociological perspectives. The book poses questions about social structures and societal relationships that are occurring in mass education systems, where society views these children as ‘special’ rather than normal.
3. Special Education Law: This book was published to be used by graduate students in education law courses, as well as for others who are interested in psychology, sociology, social work and anthropology.
4. Research and Evaluation Methods in Special Education: This book is aimed at allowing educators to design, conduct and report research and evaluations in a way that transforms special education. The text of the book provides knowledge and education on issues such as planning research and evaluation, as well as using data in a variety of settings to make decisions. This book is helpful for students suffering from various special needs, such as blindness, mental retardation, deafness, learning disabilities, and more.
5. The Special Education Treatment Planner: This book is very helpful for professionals working in a school setting and providing help to students with special needs. It involves all categories for special education in federal mandate as well as other conditions that are well-recognized among children and adolescents.
6. Effective Instruction for Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide For Every Teacher: This book has all the necessary tips and tools for high-quality instructions for students with certain disabilities. In the book, effective instruction key components are provided, such as presenting content, monitoring student learning, and adjusting the instruction.



7. Special Education Children with Learning Problems: The text in this book is provided and designed for administrators and special education teachers in order to establish a special education program. The book touches on areas such as educational programs, responsibility of the schools for problem children, nature of special education and handicaps, decision making, problems in special education, and behavioral control.

The online Masters in special education mostly suits individuals such as licensed teachers and those who seek to obtain a license in teaching, particularly for learning disabilities. The online degree is aimed at equipping instructive measures on not only on learning disabilities  but also developing educations plans individually, teaching and supervision, counseling and laws and policies wherever applicable. The benefit of the teaching career is that it is pays well hence making it a career option. To be effective, you will need to understand the content so as to make a positive impact globally.

Each institution enrolling students for online masters in special education is subject to its State requirements. It is therefore necessary for each student who is wishing to take up the program to determine the acceptance criteria and qualifications. The duration for the Masters in special education is estimated to take up at least two years. However, most institutions will give alternatives especially for online learners who may end up taking a much longer time for completion.

Studying online has its advantages in that it is cheap. It equally saves a lot of time and energy as you do not have to ‘show-up’ in class. For the elderly learners, it offers more convenience particularly to those who may not feel comfortable sharing the same class with a much younger quorum.  However, the online programs have their limitations. Each individual is required to be a planner of their own time. As much as it is flexible, you should be careful not to maximize on that; it can easily lead you to take a much longer time period. You can also lack the resources required for effective learning hence making the process more difficult.