"How will I engage students with special needs during

instruction?"

In my general education class I will be sure to engage my students

with special needs during instruction by getting to know them and, creating

an inclusive classroom by making instructional and management

modifications based on what I know about them, what their IEP or 504 plan

says or what the SST recommends (Burden & Byrd, 2013, p. 26). Knowing

who my students are, what their strengths and areas of need are, can better

equip me for lesson planning, making a seating chart and even assigning

homework. This most important thing I can do for all of my students,

especially those with special needs, is be flexible. There might be times

when I have to repeat my instructions, stop what I am doing to explain

something in a different way, or adjust my lesson pacing, and that is okay.

Being a flexible teacher means that I will not, expect each student to have

the same interests and abilities or to learn in the same ways (Burden &

Byrd, 2013, p. 27). Each student, whether they be in need, gifted or requiring

extra assistance, is more that what they present academically. Building a

strong and supportive rapport with my students will allow me to tailor their

learning experiences, to ensure that they each get exactly what they need to

be successful.
Burden, P. R., & Byrd, D. M. (2013). Methods for effective teaching: meeting

the needs of all students. Boston: Pearson. chapter 2 pg. 26,27