How did I get here?

I vividly remember a hot summer day last year at the kid's soccer practice.  I was talking to a friend that teaches Special Ed and she suggested I get certified to teach it as well.  I also remember laughing and saying "I'll never teach Special Ed".  A few weeks later, I was sitting in a high school principal's office discussing a job to teach special education.  [Never say never].  That was 1 year ago today.  I was hired at the board meeting that night, had a few minutes to look around that Friday, then started in-service on Monday.  Whew...talk about being thrown to the wolves...

This past year I've realized more than once that I am so not in Kansas anymore.  Special Education is a whole new realm that I never really knew existed.  I feel like I've adapted fairly well though.  I've learned the paperwork (thank Timbra) and struggled over what to teach in my math course.

This year I was determined to start the year with a plan.  I've spent all summer working on the Learning Support Math class I teach.  I've poured over research, read blogs, searched Pinterest, made calls to textbook publishers, emailed the state, and made lots of cute classroom decor!  (Did I mention I get my own room this year?)  I have yet to find any resource that specifically addresses the 2 courses I teach.  So, I've decided to try and blog about things I do in the classroom to maybe help someone else that is struggling like I am.

I basically teach 2 courses this year:
1.  Resource - it's a "study hall" type setting that offers additional support for special ed and struggling students.  I am really hoping to make some changes this year to make it more beneficial for the students.
2.  LS Math - this is a math class for special ed students who are not capable or ready to be in the regular education math setting.  I teach a lot of remedial skills such as money management, making change, measurement, telling time, etc.  This year I've also developed a way to really teach the state standards in a way that my students can still make progress.  (I'll save that for another post).

I'm still not sure how I ended up in Special Ed, but I definitely know that's where I am now.  I love my students, LOVE my co-workers, and I am super excited about the upcoming year!  This whole Special Education thing is growing on me...here's to a new year!  May I be less crazy than last year....