The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers Book Author Questionnaire

About the New Edition 

What inspired you to update The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers for its third edition, and how does it differ from previous versions? 

The decision to write a new Survival Guide for Special Education Teachers was driven by the growing demand for qualified special educators and the urgent need to support them as they enter an increasingly complex educational landscape. While the foundational principle of our original guide remains, today’s special education teachers face evolving challenges that require new High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) and technologies. Our inspiration stemmed from the identification and proliferation of High Leverage Practices (HLPs), which serve as the backbone of this new edition. These practices provide a framework for effective teaching that is both practical and impactful across diverse classroom settings. 

Can you highlight some of the key topics addressed in the guide, such as roles and responsibilities, classroom management, and collaboration with professionals? 

The New Survival Guide for Special Education Teachers offers an in-deth exploration of six pillar High Leverage Practices (HLPs) essential for improved student outcomes. These HLP pillars include collaboration with professionals and families, data-based decision making, establishing structured and positive learning environments, delivering explicit instruction, and intensifying interventions as needed. The guide provides practical, easy-to-implement resources that equip teachers with clear strategies for fostering collaboration, managing classrooms, and delivering high-quality instruction. 

How does the guide support both novice and veteran educators in enhancing their professional development? 

The new edition of the Survival Guide for Special Education Teachers places a wealth of high-quality resources directly at the fingertips of novice special education teachers. Designed to complement school and district induction programs, the guide offers practical insights and tools that help new teachers build the essential skills required to effectively support all learners in inclusive classrooms. 

For veteran educators, the guide provides updated information and research-based strategies that enhance professional practice. Central to this edition is a focus on High Leverage Practices (HLPs), which serve as a structured professional learning pathway. By introducing HLPs in a logical, sequential manner, the guide supports continuous development and instructional refinement. 

To further support reflective practice, the guide incorporates the CEEDAR Center’s Self-Assessment Tools, allowing teachers to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. These tools, along with the guide’s practical resources, empower educators to take ownership of their professional learning and strive toward becoming their best professional selves. 

Addressing Educator Needs 

In what ways does the book assist educators in navigating the unique challenges of special education? 

It’s like having a mentor in book form—offering reassurance, clear direction, and tools that work in real classrooms. The Survival Guide doesn’t just discuss theory but also offers step-by-step practical advice on day-to-day tasks like writing IEPs, managing caseloads and collaborating with colleagues. It truly supports teachers from day one with easy-to-use checklists, sample forms and planning tools. And it encourages self-care, mentorship, and building a support network—something many new teachers overlook until burnout hits! 

How does the guide promote collaboration among educators, specialists, and families to create effective learning environments?   

The guide goes in depth into HLP 1, collaboration with educators to improve student success.  Tips from seasoned educators are shared, in addition to checklists that walk teachers through setting up and facilitating meetings with other professionals and families. It also explains how to work effectively with paraprofessionals, specialists, general ed teachers, and administrators and most importantly families. Building strong collaboration and communication skills in these relationships helps to facilitate positive and proactive engagement resulting in the best outcomes for their students. 

Can you share how the guide addresses the importance of cultural responsiveness and inclusivity in special education settings? 

The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers walks teachers through steps for creating a structured, organized and responsive learning environment where all students feel included. Developing positive relationships that honor and appreciate students’ backgrounds and culture goes a long way in creating a positive learning environment. It is about creating spaces where every student feels valued, safe, and capable. It offers strategies to build a sense of belonging, understanding and honoring the uniqueness of every student. 

Personal Insights and Reflections 

Reflecting on your experiences, what motivated you to write this guide, and how do you hope it impacts the special education community? 

Standing in a classroom with a heart full of passion but completely overwhelmed by paperwork, IEPs, behavior challenges, and the responsibility of supporting students who depended on us—deeply and uniquely.  We remember what it felt like to be that new teacher. There weren’t many books that spoke to me, in plain language, with the kind of day-to-day help I needed. So, this guide was born from a place of wanting to say: ️ “You’ve got this—and here’s how.”   We hope this guide helps teachers by providing a road map with resources and advice from seasoned educators to not only survive but thrive.  

We are motivated by: 

• The resilience of students with disabilities who show up every day, ready to try again, no matter how hard it is. 

• The courage of new teachers who jump in headfirst, knowing this work is complex but doing it anyway. 

• And the need for community—a reminder that none of us have to do this alone. 

What feedback from educators influenced the updates and additions made in this edition? 

The most recent editions of The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers have been notably shaped by direct feedback from educators in the field, which helped ensure the guide stays relevant, realistic, and responsive to the evolving demands of special education. A need for real-world actionable strategies, teachers shared that they wanted more of “what can I do in my classroom tomorrow.” They asked for tips for effective co-teaching, lesson planning, collaboration scenarios, AI support and more. The new edition provides information on assistive technology, AI tools for progress monitoring and lesson planning to name a few. The new edition builds upon previously created and shared resources for the IEP process.   

Looking ahead, how do you envision the guide evolving to meet the changing needs of special education professionals?   

We would love to see more online components and interactive elements associated with the new edition in the future. Technology, including advances in AI offers a multitude of opportunities to enhance and support the Survival Guide moving forward.  We hope to add a website and additional language offerings as well. We are always looking for way sot improve and share with the broader community! 

Final Thoughts for New Special Educators 

What advice would you give to new special education teachers embarking on their careers, and how can this guide serve as a valuable resource for them? 

Thank you for choosing a career in special education. Few professions offer the opportunity to make such a profound and lasting impact on the lives of others. As a special education teacher, you play a vital role in empowering students, fostering their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. Your work not only changes lives—it inspires hope, builds confidence, and creates brighter futures for the students and families you serve. As a new special education teacher, it can be challenging to know where to begin. With competing demands and limited time, reaching your goals may at times feel overwhelming. The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers is designed to support you in navigating these early challenges by helping you ask thoughtful, targeted questions of mentors and administrators—questions that inform and strengthen your practice while ultimately saving time. On the inevitable days when a lesson doesn’t go as planned and self-doubt creeps in, remember that these moments are a natural part of the teaching journey. Growth takes time, and your commitment, effort, and presence are more than enough. 

Final thoughts: 

• For new teachers we hope it’s a compass—something they can flip through on a tough day and feel a little more confident, a little less alone. 

• For veteran educators, administrators, coaches and mentors we hope it serves as a bridge—a way to coach and guide the next generation with consistency and care. Your knowledge and compassion truly make a difference. 

• For students and families, we hope it means that your teachers are better supported, better prepared, and more connected—so they, in turn, can create meaningful learning environments. 

• And most importantly– celebrate the small things, give yourself grace because not everyone knows everything on day one, if ever, you are not alone. Create time and space to learn and grow in the profession, lean on mentors, administrators, advisors and veteran teachers. We all want you to be successful – you are the key to building the future!