- This event has passed.
Guiding Practices for New Special Educators
Date:
November 4, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Price:
Instructor(s):
Jennifer Patenaude, M.A. & Kara Griswold, M.Ed
Event Type:
Virtual
Professional Learning Hours:
12
Intended Audience:
Special education teachers with up to five years of experience in Vermont
Participants must attend all events:
- November 4
- December 9
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
The early years of special education teaching can feel overwhelming, stressful, and isolating. This professional learning opportunity supports Vermont special education teachers during their first five years on the job. These monthly sessions will include presentations by experienced Vermont educational leaders focusing on timely, high-impact topics relevant to new special educators. Each meeting will conclude with group discussions and space to share tools and ideas.
Case Management and Facilitation of Effective Meetings – 11/4/25
This session will focus on best practices for effective special education case management, including strategies for organizing documentation, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring compliance with timelines. Participants will explore tools for managing communication, collaborating with team members, and maintaining a clear connection between student needs and IEP implementation.
IEP Development – Present Levels and Measurable Goals & Objectives – 12/9/25
This session will focus on strengthening IEP development through the lens of writing clear, measurable present levels of academic and functional performance, as well as aligned goals and objectives. Participants will review examples, practice identifying key data, and learn how to craft language that reflects both the student’s current abilities and targeted growth opportunities grounded in standards-based learning progressions.
Mindset, Self Care, and Professional Identity – 1/13/26
This session will explore the importance of developing a healthy professional identity, maintaining a growth mindset, and building sustainable self-care practices as a new special education teacher. Participants will reflect on the emotional demands of the role and identify strategies to manage stress, maintain balance, and stay grounded in purpose. The goal is to support long-term success and resilience in this rewarding but challenging field.
Progress Monitoring and Data Collection – 2/10/26
This session will focus on strategies for monitoring student progress toward IEP goals through meaningful and manageable data collection practices. Participants will explore tools and methods for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data that directly align with measurable goals and objectives. Emphasis will be placed on using data to inform instruction, support decision-making, and communicate student growth effectively.
Specially Designed Instruction and Service Delivery Models – 3/10/26
This session will focus on understanding specially designed instruction (SDI) and how it differs from general education interventions. Participants will explore how to design specialized instruction that aligns with a student’s identified disability-related needs, including adjustments to content, methodology, or delivery. Various special education service delivery models will be discussed, along with how to determine which models best support access and progress in the general curriculum.
Effective Collaboration and Supervision of Support Staff – 4/14/26
This session will focus on effective strategies for collaborating with and supervising support staff, including paraeducators and instructional assistants. Participants will explore ways to establish clear roles, provide meaningful feedback, and foster shared responsibility for student success. Communication practices that promote consistency, clarity, and trust across teams will also be discussed.
Looking to go further?
Start with Orientation to Special Education, a two-day workshop series that provides helpful context for new special educators, and then continue with this series and/or additional coursework to complete Essential Skills for New Special Education Teachers, a 2-credit graduate course (registration coming soon!)
Presented by
Jen Patenaude
