Preparing Inclusive Classrooms for Success

My classroom was decorated. Open house was a success. The first week of school plans were finalized. I thought I was prepared for a successful first year as a fourth-grade teacher. But within the first week of the school year, I discovered that my teacher preparation program left me woefully underprepared to support my students.

I won’t sugarcoat it — those first few months were rough for everyone in my classroom. Most days included multiple meltdowns from several different students. These moments were not the result of inherent characteristics of my students’ disabilities, but rather an appropriate reaction to not having their needs met by me, their teacher. Read More