resources for special education teachers hand with heart

To best educate your students and meet their needs, you can’t work without outside help. Finding effective resources and strategies to add to your teaching toolbox is essential to helping your students.

Many aspects of special education are constantly changing, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date.

Some examples of changes that can arise in the special education field include:

  • Technological advancements to enhance students’ learning
  • Psychological research advances on particular health issues like dyslexia
  • New educational studies that advise teachers on how to deliver material

See Our Special Education Teacher Jobs

Special education teachers undergo plenty of training and obtain the relevant certifications. However, they can also benefit from online resources to progress their careers and assist their students. Explore eight of the best resources for special education teachers below:

1) The Bureau of Labor Statistics

On the BLS webpage for special education teachers, you can browse many interesting statistics on this field. The job outlook is 3%, meaning it keeps up with the nation’s average.

Beyond data on the field, the BLS also includes information on how to become a teacher. It covers following the traditional college route and obtaining licensure if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

The BLS is a great place to start if you’re looking to progress your career and make a difference.

If you want to make the most out of your career and travel, check out special education teacher jobs across the U.S.

2) Learning Disabilities Online

Learning Disabilities Online was designed for educators by educators. Anyone from special education teachers to paraprofessionals can benefit from the resources on this site.

Learning Disabilities Online features articles that cover instructional strategies like:

  • Teaching mathematics
  • Teaching writing
  • Developing language and reading skills
  • Using technology in the classroom

Are you looking to connect with other educators in the field? You can receive and share advice with them via this website’s online forum.

3) The National Education Association

When you visit The National Education Association’s website, you can read through various guides and news on special education. Some special education resources for teachers include The Puzzle of Autism and Truth in Labeling: Disproportionality in Special Education. 

You can also find free tools like planning sheets and the Transition Toolkit.

4) The National Association of Special Education Teachers

The National Association of Special Education Teachers offers news on teaching methodologies in special education. On this website, you can gain access to:

  • Monthly publications to manage your classroom
  • Forms, checklists, and tables to help coordinate classroom activities
  • Handouts to give to parents, so they can know how to help their child outside of school
  • Articles on behavior modification

5) Teacher Vision

Teacher Vision supplies free classroom management techniques and curriculum strategies. You can use these resources to make progress with your students.

Some resources you’ll find on this site include:

  • Informative articles on mental health and wellness, developmental and learning disabilities, and ADD/ADHD
  • Tools to use in your students’ assessment accommodations
  • Tips on grading
  • Case studies to learn how to assess a student
  • Methodology articles on how to teach and manage children with special needs

6) The Education Commission of the States 

The Education Commission of the States is one of the most vital special education resources for teachers, especially if you travel extensively. This resource lets you stay up-to-date on the most current special education laws, as they differ from state to state. 

You can also find various events and workshops to attend. These events focus on students’ special needs and how you can meet them. These events also let you connect with educators from all over the U.S. and discover how they cater to their students.

7) Do2Learn

Learning should always be fun, and that’s Do2Learn’s priority! This website features thousands of webpages that include picture cards, songs, games, and an emotions color wheel.

Do2Learn’s mission is to help students improve their behavior, sociability, and academics.

Founded in 1996, Do2Learn has been around for 25 years. Do2Learn searches for the world’s most gifted clinicians and teachers and puts them in touch with the organization’s technical experts. Together, they create the resources found on Do2Learn and update and add to them constantly.

8) The National Center for Learning Disabilities 

The National Center for Learning Disabilities can expand your knowledge on various types of learning disabilities. Learn via the websites’ many videos and articles.

Some specific special education resources for teachers include:

  • Navigating teacher-parent relationships
  • Using assistive technology
  • Using the 504 plan or the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Take Advantage of These Resources Today!

No matter if it’s your twentieth year in the classroom or you’re still new to the profession, use these eight resources for special education teachers to help you better understand the field.