Teaching in a Special Education Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators

"Probably one of the best books I′ve read that guides special educators from the beginning of the year to the end."
―Nicole Chiarello-Guyon, Special Education Teacher
Westerly School Department, RI

"The tips and strategies provided will help any teacher grow professionally."
―Teri Fechter, Specific Learning Disabilities Teacher
Franklin Elementary School, Appleton, WI

Tips and strategies for the new and experienced special education teacher!

Designed for professionals working in a resource room, self-contained special class, or inclusive setting, this step-by-step guide helps new teachers in special education get their careers off to a positive start and offers experienced teachers supportive information to help improve classroom practice.

Special education experts Roger Pierangelo and George Giuliani review all aspects of special education teaching, from how to get to know your students before school starts to writing end-of-the-year reports. Aligned with the reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this guidebook provides practical guidelines for appropriate classroom design, includes a complete glossary, and examines critical issues such as:

• Gathering information on students′ educational history, medical background, and Individual Educational Programs (IEPs)
• Meeting with parents, aides, mainstream teachers, and service providers
• Addressing and evaluating factors that affect learners′ performance and adapting the curriculum
• Managing a classroom of students with specific disabilities and applying instructional interventions
• Understanding grading options

Teaching in a Special Education Classroom offers straightforward advice to make the school year more productive for you and your students.

Roger Pierangelo is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education and Literacy at Long Island University. He has been an administrator of special education programs and served for eighteen years as a permanent member of Committees on Special Education. He has over thirty years of experience in the public school system as a general education classroom teacher and school psychologist, and is a consultant to numerous private and public schools, PTAs, and SEPTA groups. Pierangelo has also been an evaluator for the New York State Office of Vocational and Rehabilitative Services and a director of a private clinic. He is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist, certified school psychologist, and a Board Certified Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology. Pierangelo is currently president of The National Association of Special Education Teachers, executive director of The American Academy of Special Education Professionals, and vice-president of The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education.

Pierangelo earned his BS degree from St. John′s University, his MS from Queens College, Professional Diploma from Queens College, PhD from Yeshiva University, and Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology from the International College of Professional Psychology. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York State Psychological Association, Nassau County Psychological Association, New York State Union of Teachers, and Phi Delta Kappa.

Pierangelo is the coauthor of numerous books, including The Big Book of Special Education Resources and The Step-by-Step Book Series for Special Educators.

George Giuliani is an assistant professor at Hofstra University′s School of Education and Allied Health and Human Services, in the Department of Counseling, Research, Special Education, and Rehabilitation. He is the executive director of the National Association of Special Education Professionals, president of the National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE), vice-president of the National Association of Special Education Teachers, and an educational consultant for various school districts. He has provided numerous workshops for parents and teachers on a variety of special education and psychological topics.

Giuliani earned Board Certification as a Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology from the International College of Professional Psychology. Giuliani is also a New York State licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, and has an extensive private practice focusing on children with special needs. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York State Psychological Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Psi Chi, American Association of University Professors, and the Council for Exceptional Children. Giuliani earned his BA from the College of the Holy Cross, MS from St. John′s University, JD from City University Law School, and PsyD from Rutgers University, The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

Giuliani is the coauthor of numerous books, including The Big Book of Special Education Resources and The Step-by-Step Book Series for Special Educators.