Special Educator
Contributing to the Profession: Essential Resources and Strategies for Educators
Welcome to a curated list of resources and strategies to support educators in creating an engaging, organized, and inclusive classroom. This page provides practical tools, websites, and teaching strategies to help foster academic and social-emotional growth in students of all backgrounds.
Resource #1: Teacher Vision
Classroom Organization & Management
Creating an organized and well-managed classroom is essential for both teacher and student success. These tools and strategies can help streamline routines and reduce classroom disruptions.
Classroom Management Strategies - Explore practical tips on establishing routines, managing transitions, and setting clear expectations to create a structured environment.
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Website: Edutopia Classroom Management
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Teacher Vision - Offers resources on organizing classroom spaces, implementing routines, and using visual aids to support classroom structure.
Resource #2: Reading Rockets
Literacy and Phonics
Strong literacy skills form the foundation for lifelong learning. These resources provide lesson ideas, phonics programs, and literacy tools that are effective and easy to adapt.
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UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) Phonics - A comprehensive phonics program that supports diverse learning needs through structured, hands-on activities.
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Website: UFLI Foundations
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Reading Rockets - Offers a wide range of research-based strategies and activities to support reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development in young learners.
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Website: Reading Rockets
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Resource #3: Khan Academy
Math Instruction
Math can be challenging, but with the right tools and interactive activities, you can make math fun and accessible to all students.
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Reveal Math - A flexible and student-centered curriculum with strategies for using visual aids, manipulatives, and real-world applications to support understanding in young learners.
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Website: McGraw Hill Reveal Math
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Khan Academy - Provides free, high-quality video tutorials, interactive exercises, and assessments across a range of math topics, adaptable to all skill levels.
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Website: Khan Academy Math
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Resource #4: Zones of Regulation
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Supporting students’ social and emotional well-being is essential for a healthy classroom culture. These resources offer strategies to promote empathy, resilience, and positive relationships.
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Second Step - A widely used SEL program with resources for teaching skills like empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
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Website: Second Step SEL
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The Zones of Regulation - A framework and curriculum to teach self-regulation and emotional control, helping students identify and manage their emotions effectively.
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Website: Zones of Regulation
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Resource #5: UDL
Inclusivity and Differentiation
Creating an inclusive classroom that respects and celebrates diversity is key to student engagement and success. These resources provide strategies for differentiated instruction and fostering an equitable learning environment.
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Teaching Tolerance - Provides free resources, lesson plans, and articles that support inclusive teaching and anti-bias education.
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CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - Offers guidelines for creating flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences.
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Website: CAST UDL Guidelines
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Resource #6: EdPuzzle
Technology in the Classroom
Integrating technology in meaningful ways can enhance learning and engagement. Here are some tools to help you incorporate tech effectively.
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Google for Education - Provides tools like Google Classroom, Google Docs, and Google Slides, which enable easy collaboration and digital organization.
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Website: Google for Education
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EdPuzzle - Allows teachers to create interactive video lessons that engage students and provide real-time assessments. Great for flipped classrooms or personalized learning.
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Website: EdPuzzle
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