Professional Goals for Special Education Teachers

Setting professional goals is essential for special education teachers who strive to impact their students’ lives meaningfully. Goals help educators focus their efforts, measure progress, and drive continuous professional development.

In this article, Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) will explore some key professional goals that special education teachers can set to maximize their effectiveness in the classroom.

Connect with Teachers and Support Staff to Create a Better Learning Environment for All Students

Connecting with teachers and other school staff can create a better environment for students who need your help. Observing other special education teachers in their classrooms may also help you generate ideas for your classroom while allowing you to connect to other teachers in your school. You can plan ahead to address certain access needs or ensure that students know who they can go to for help if they are struggling with emotional or sensory regulation.

This may include sending progress reports on students to other teachers the students may be interacting with currently or in the near future. PTS offers resources to teachers who work alongside them in schools to create progress reports and communicate student needs to other school staff.

Improve the Implementation of IEP Plans for Students in the Classroom

IEP plans are foundational for helping students with disabilities access an education. As the driver of IEP planning, the SPED teacher ensures that the IEP plan is implemented and followed correctly. You can help them succeed and watch them grow. IEP plans may need to change as students age, and you can help adjust these plans to provide them with the best education possible.

Many schools rely on PTS sources, such as the Capable Classroom™, to tackle the challenges schools and special education teachers face when implementing IEPs. This can include small-group interventions, which keep more students in the classroom and reduce unnecessary referrals.  

Join a Professional Learning Community or Agency That Specializes in School-Based Therapeutic Services

Professional learning communities are essential to many people’s growth as special education teachers. You can learn from others with more experience in your field and share your experiences to help other teachers. These communities may also have resources available for use in the classroom.

PTS is a therapeutic staffing agency with an ever-growing network of independent contractors who can help special education teachers maximize their impact in the classroom. In addition to access to staff for your school, PTS has extensive resources available for special education teachers to help make the classroom more accessible and engaging for students with disabilities. These resources can take the form of:

• Classroom Activities to Promote Language Development
• Activities to Enrich Visual Motor Development
• Turning Games into Handwriting Practice
• Sensory Activities for the Classroom

Achieve Your Goals as a Special Education Teacher Working Alongside PTS

Making professional goals for yourself is a great way to enhance your skills as a special education teacher. When you work in schools alongside PTS, you’ll gain access to additional resources to make the most of your time in a classroom and take a step closer to achieving your goals. Contact us today to learn more about working alongside PTS in schools.