Special Education Services & Support

I remember what it was like to be a first year teacher.   I was worried about many, many important things.  Take for example, the ambience created by the fluorescent bulbs in the ceiling of my first classroom.  The presence or absence of a horseshoe table to lead guided reading could lead to my students' success or failure.  The fact that the classroom rug looked like it was original to the building's dedication.   Now, looking back at that idealistic, literal thinker, I realize that my knowledge of what to make a priority when looking to start off a successful school year has changed drastically.   If I could share any hack for beginning of the school year it would include these lists.  I would offer this disclaimer, I'm currently teaching a 3rd grade inclusion/cotaught classroom.  I used to teach an instructional (self-contained) classroom in a public school  I would say I use the same, if not similar list of priorities for bo...

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Francine Castillo and I have been in the field of special education for a little over 8 years now.  I've worked as both a paraprofessional, gen ed teacher, special education director, and instructional teacher during that time period.  My experience encompasses private as well as public education.  I'm currently a 3rd grade co-teacher and tutor in the South Suburbs of Chicago.  I would have to say that teaching is a passion.  I would have to say that working with individuals who have diagnosed disabilities is also a passion of mine.  I enjoy finding the connection points and tools that enable students to achieve success in their education and in life.  My goal with sharing a little bit of my journey and tools I absolutely love is to empower teachers to lead and educate with confidence.  We must add so much, if not all, of the tools we have to our toolboxes with our own personal investment, time, cre...

Welcome back to August teachers!  The long anticipated month of reckoning is upon us and what else can we do but start to dream about our classrooms, our coworkers, our soon-to-be students, and the list goes on and on.  I thought I'd start out by naming that for the most part, we've had a great summer ! We've reconnected with friends, kids, family, spouses, community, and before we dive in to planning curriculum, classroom environment and decorations, I wanted to share a cool find for the school year. We always think about what we need for our students and sometimes have to spend our own money on those supplies or materials.  What if we looked out for some of the things that might make our own lives a little easier and simpler...and downright more aesthetically pleasing? Well, I just wanted to share this item with my teaching friends because it's something I thought I'd invest in for my back to school lunch prep.  It is the Insulated Bento Stackable Stainless S...