Hi! It's my first year teaching, and I just received my assignment, high school rsp, and my case load. I am just so nervous, my first IEP due is a triennial, and I feel so clueless where to start. I also found out I will be co-teaching in 2 different science classes, and and nervous about how that will go. Anyone else have such high anxiety before their first year? Was it as scary as you thought it would be?
This is my first year, also. I am teaching K-3 cross-categorical special education. I am SO nervous as well! School starts next week and I don't even have the IEP's yet! I'm excited too, though. Good luck to you... Just take a deep breath! I'm sure you'll do a great job. Let us know how things go for you!
Hey Ready, 1. Talk to the psychologist and have your student who has an iEP due assessed to determine what level of functioning this student is at. 2. You need to look at the PREVIOUS psychological assessment summary (2003 or 2002?). I would read what the psychologist recommends as far as educational goals are concerned. Talk to the general education teachers that this student is involved with and what kinds of learning styles work best for your student. You should also get some kind of feedback about behavior, work output, ect. I would read The First Few Days of School by Harry K. and Rosemary Wong because you have students with Learning Disabilities. Look at all of your students' IEP's and determine what goals you will be focusing on the in the coming year. Introduce yourself to the other teachers and ignore any "rude, offensive, or belittling comments." I am very judgemental of teachers who keep blaming others for their shortcomings. If you don't want to make an effort to make a difference, then you're in the wrong profession. You will be required to write lesson plans too. I would find out what the local administrator requires as a format. Just because you are teaching resource doesn't mean that you can give a lesson which is similar to a classroom teacher. Also, if you have ANY student with a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) look for supporting data. Pay attention to these students more as far as behavior is concerned. Make sure that you give choices to your students and if they choose to make a bad choice, then there should be a bad consequence for that choice. I would start the first day with an introduction of who you are and ask them who they are. Next, follow up with a list of their favorite activities, movies, interests, ect. What career are they interested in, ect. This will help you determine what reinforces their work time behavior. Be sure that you time your activities. A timer is an excellent way to start and end activities and allows the students to understand there is a beginning and an end to activities. I have been a resource student in school, but I have never been a teacher of resource YET! After my current position, I want to go back and get my resource certification. If you have any questions or concerns don't hestiate to leave a private message if you prefer. Troy in Downey, CA AspieTeacher
