10 Back To School Tips

Beginning of the Year Tips for Special Education Teachers

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for both new and experienced teachers. Here are my top 10 tips to help special education teachers start the year off strong. 

1. Be Flexible—Always

   • Schedules will change. Behaviors may spike. Plans might need tweaking on the fly. Embrace flexibility and expect the unexpected, especially those first few weeks.
     
     

2. Read Every IEP and BIP Carefully

   • Set aside dedicated time to thoroughly review your students’ IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans. Highlight accommodations, services, and goals—and make a quick reference sheet or spreadsheet to stay organized.  Communicate student needs and behavior plans with classroom teachers!
     
     

3. Build Relationships First

   • Focus on building trust with your students, families, paraprofessionals, and general education staff. Strong relationships lay the foundation for everything else.
     
     

4. Establish Routines Early

   • Predictability helps all students, especially those with disabilities. Teach, model, and practice routines often—and reinforce them with visuals or prompts when needed.
     
     

5. Create a Data Collection System Now

   • Set up simple, consistent tools for collecting data on IEP goals and behavior. This saves time and makes progress monitoring much easier.
     
     

6. Collaborate With General Ed Teachers

   • Touch base early to understand classroom expectations and how you can support your shared students. Offering strategies upfront makes a big difference.
     
     

7. Keep a “Sub Binder” Ready From Day One

   • Include student info, IEP snapshots, routines, and emergency procedures. You’ll thank yourself later!
     
     

8. Set Realistic Expectations

   • For your students and for yourself. Progress takes time. Be patient and celebrate small wins.
     
     

9. Prioritize Self-Care

   • Special education is rewarding but emotionally demanding. Set boundaries, ask for help, and find time to recharge.
     
     

10. Document, Document, Document

• Keep detailed records of communication, accommodations, incidents, and parent contact. It’s not just for legal reasons—it also helps you track patterns and reflect. You'll be glad you did!

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and stress, whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro. These top 10 tips are designed to support special education teachers as they navigate the start of a successful and manageable school year. 

Let me know below if I missed any!

🩵Sarah