This Is Our Season: Building the Schools Our Students Deserve
Back to school is not just a moment. It’s a movement. A surge of purpose in every hallway. A spark of anticipation on every school bus. A fresh start in every classroom. It’s the one time each year when we all—educators, parents, students, leaders, and community members—start from the same place: a blank page, ready […]
Thriving in Your First Year as a Special Education Teacher: A Practical Guide for Success
Starting your career as a special education teacher is a noble and rewarding journey. However, it comes with unique challenges that can feel overwhelming without the right support and strategies. A successful induction year is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving, growing professionally, and impacting students’ lives meaningfully. This article outlines essential pillars for […]
How Inclusive Classrooms Drive Success for All Learners
Abstract Inclusion services have opened vital pathways for students with disabilities to access the general curriculum alongside their peers. However, access goes beyond physical presence in the classroom—effective inclusion relies on collaboration between general and special education teachers. This article reviews strategies, policies, and teaching practices that improve the outcomes of inclusion models in secondary […]
Developing a Building-Level Code of Ethics in South Carolina High Schools
By Dr. Ryan Wydra & Dr. Carl Dukes In today’s schools, ethical leadership is no longer a preference—it’s a prerequisite. As school leaders face increasingly complex decisions, a clearly articulated Code of Ethics provides the compass for promoting equity, accountability, and student success. This action research initiative, grounded in educational leadership frameworks, outlines the development […]
The Transformative Power of Connection in Special Education
Relationships Matter: My first-year teaching in a self-contained special education English classroom began with structure and optimism. Lessons were thoroughly planned, materials prepared, and successful instructional routines carried over from prior teaching experiences. The goal was clear: promote meaningful academic growth through consistency and evidence-based practices. Then came a student—referred to here as John—who challenged […]
Speaking Up and Standing Strong: How Special Education Teachers Can Advocate for Students Through Collaborative Communication
As a special education teacher, I’ve often found myself at the intersection of student need, administrative policy, and general education expectations. It’s a position that demands not only instructional expertise but also the courage to advocate. Over the years, I’ve learned that our voices, when grounded in data, empathy, and collaboration, are among the most […]
Transforming School Culture: The Leadership Blueprint for Inclusive Excellence
When you walk into a thriving school, you feel it before you even see it. There’s energy. There’s purpose. And most importantly, there’s connection. But this culture doesn’t just happen. It is built deliberately, every day, by leaders who know that school culture is not about programs or posters. It is about people. Culture Isn’t […]
The Future Is in Our Classrooms: A Statewide Plan to Support and Retain South Carolina’s Teachers
Abstract South Carolina continues to make strides in strengthening its public education system, yet the challenge of teacher retention remains significant. While the 2024–2025 school year began with fewer vacancies than in recent years, over 1,000 positions were still unfilled across the state. This article offers a five-part action research plan that South Carolina districts […]
Building Strong Parental Communication: How I Foster Trust, Transparency, and Student Growth
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a special education teacher is this. You cannot support a student effectively without first partnering with their family. Over the years, I’ve seen that when parents feel included, respected, and informed, the student benefits in a significant way, both academically and emotionally. Parental communication is not […]
Leading a Resource Room with Purpose: Supporting Executive Functioning and Academic Success
For special education teachers leading a resource room, the role extends far beyond managing caseloads and modifying assignments. The resource room is not simply a quieter space, it is a structured, skill-building environment designed to foster independence, confidence, and academic success. By leading with purpose, teachers can transform this space into a launchpad for students’ […]