Built for General Ed Teachers
Foundations for all classrooms
15 Hours
Self-paced, practical training
10 Courses
Foundational skills for all teachers
Certificate Included
Up to 15 CE credits
Learn Anywhere
Access courses on any device
The SPED Microcredential provides a focused, step‑by‑step learning experience that helps teachers build clarity, confidence, and competence in special education. By combining foundational knowledge with real‑world classroom strategies, this microcredential empowers educators to move beyond compliance and toward meaningful, student‑centered support.
Discription
What’s the difference between accommodations and modifications? Why does understanding SPED terminology matter for all teachers—not just special educators? This introductory session lays the foundation for meaningful work with students receiving special education services. Join veteran educator Melissa Mann as she demystifies essential SPED vocabulary, acronyms (like IEP, 504, LRE, and FAPE), and key concepts that every classroom teacher needs. Gain an understanding of the laws that govern special education and learn how modern classrooms require every educator to be part of a collaborative support team for diverse learners. Key Takeaways Understand must-know special education terms, acronyms, and legal foundations. Recognize the differences between accommodations, modifications, and interventions. Explain why LRE and FAPE are critical in serving students with exceptionalities. Build a baseline knowledge to support students in inclusive classroom settings.
Key Takeaways
Understand must-know special education terms, acronyms, and legal foundations.
Recognize the differences between accommodations, modifications, and interventions.
Explain why LRE and FAPE are critical in serving students with exceptionalities.
Build a baseline knowledge to support students in inclusive classroom settings.
Description
What laws protect students receiving special education services? How do you know when a child needs an IEP or a 504 Plan? In this practical session, Melissa Mann breaks down the most important Special Education laws — IDEA, ADA, and ESSA — and explains how they shape your everyday work in the classroom. You’ll learn how these laws safeguard students’ right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), ensure access to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and provide critical protections for parents and families. Melissa will also walk you through the key differences between IEP and 504 eligibility, offering real-world examples to help you recognize when a student may qualify for additional support. Key Takeaways Understand major federal laws that govern special education eligibility and services.
Key Takeaways
Understand major federal laws that govern special education eligibility and services.
Differentiate between IDEA (IEPs) and ADA/504 Plans and when each applies.
Recognize FAPE, LRE, and child find responsibilities within the school system.
Gain confidence in collaborating with teams during the referral and plan process.
Description
Extended time, fidgets, flexible seating, visual supports—what accommodations truly make a difference for students with special needs? How can teachers balance providing support without lowering expectations? In this engaging webinar, Melissa Mann connects the legal foundations of special education with practical, classroom-friendly accommodations that can transform learning for students with academic, executive functioning, sensory, and behavioral needs. You’ll explore strategies that are simple to implement yet powerful in impact, from text-to-speech technology to flexible seating, timers, and visual organizers. Melissa will also share insights on how to provide scaffolds that promote independence and maintain grade-level rigor—while making daily instruction more manageable for busy teachers.
Key Takeaways
Implement practical tools such as text-to-speech, flexible seating, timers, and graphic organizers.
Promote student independence while keeping instruction rigorous and grade-level appropriate.
Build a proactive toolbox of strategies that support learning and minimize reactive discipline.
Description:
How do you build strong bridges between teachers, parents, and colleagues when supporting diverse learners? What steps can you take to turn potential conflict into collaboration? In this insightful course, Melissa Mann highlights one of the most crucial elements of special education success—relationships. You’ll explore strategies for effective, ongoing communication with parents, learn how to collaborate with co-teachers and specialists, and discover ways to cultivate inclusive, positive classroom environments. Melissa will also share approaches for handling tough conversations, aligning goals across the IEP team, and engaging families as true partners in the learning process. With intentional relationship-building, you’ll reduce misunderstandings, foster trust, and create a stronger support network that sets students up for long-term academic and social success.
Key Takeaways
Understand why strong relationships directly improve outcomes for students with special needs.
Implement parent communication strategies that build trust, transparency, and teamwork.
Strengthen collaboration with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialists.
Foster classroom cultures that support inclusion, belonging, and positive peer relationships.
Description
When a student refuses to write, do you offer a break or highlight just a few problems first? What happens when a fidget, redirection, or even preferential seating no longer work? In this session, Melissa Mann takes a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving in the SPED classroom. Using authentic case studies, you’ll explore real-world challenges connected to attention, executive functioning, sensory regulation, social skills, and written expression. Together, we’ll walk step by step through common classroom scenarios to uncover the root causes behind student behaviors, align supports to specific needs, and practice selecting accommodations and interventions that actually work. This session is designed to bridge knowledge with application—helping you gain confidence in responding to student needs in the moment. You’ll leave with practical strategies, decision-making tools, and a problem-solving mindset that you can use immediately when challenges arise in your own classroom.
Key Takeaways
Understand how to interpret student behaviors by uncovering underlying causes rather than just surface actions.
Implement practical, real-time solutions that connect directly to academic, sensory, executive function, and behavioral supports.
Promote student growth by prioritizing proactive strategies instead of relying on reactive discipline.
Build confidence applying SPED tools and frameworks to real-world classroom challenges.
Description
Have you ever encountered a student who struggles with reading and spelling despite showing strong thinking skills in other areas? Are you confident in identifying the signs of dyslexia and supporting students who face these challenges? Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how individuals process language, impacting reading, writing, and spelling abilities. It is not a reflection of intelligence but a unique way of learning that requires tailored strategies. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session as she lays the groundwork for understanding dyslexia and how it presents in the classroom. You will gain insights into early warning signs, practical strategies for supporting students, and ways to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters success for all learners. Prepare to transform your understanding of dyslexia and empower every student to succeed! Melissa’s expertise in special education will equip you with the knowledge and tools to design a classroom plan that integrates supportive techniques for students with dyslexia.
Key Takeaways
Identify common signs and symptoms of dyslexia in students across grade levels.
Explore evidence-based instructional strategies to support students with dyslexia.
Learn how to create a dyslexia-friendly classroom environment that promotes confidence and engagement.
Access tools and resources for ongoing support and intervention.
Description
Do you have students who struggle with reading, spelling, or writing despite showing strong abilities in other areas? Are you looking for practical tools and strategies to support these learners and help them achieve academic success? Dyslexia affects up to 1 in 5 students, impacting their ability to decode, read fluently, and spell accurately. However, with the right support, students with dyslexia can excel in the classroom and beyond. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session to deepen your understanding of dyslexia and discover effective tools and classroom strategies that help students with dyslexia thrive. You will walk away with practical resources to foster an inclusive learning environment and support your students in reaching their highest potential.
Key Takeaways
Recognize the signs and characteristics of dyslexia across different age groups.
Discover evidence-based instructional strategies to support reading, writing, and spelling for students with dyslexia.
Utilize tools and resources to create a dyslexia-friendly classroom environment.
Learn how to build confidence and encourage a growth mindset in students with dyslexia.
Description
Are you ready to unlock the potential of every student in your classroom? Inclusive education involves meeting the diverse needs of every student, and for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), tailored intervention strategies are paramount. Join Melissa Mann as she guides you through evidence-based techniques that will enable you to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Prepare to gain invaluable insights into effective intervention strategies that will transform your teaching approach and empower your students to reach their full potential!
Key Takeaways
Gain a deep understanding of autism spectrum disorder, exploring its core characteristics and how they influence students' learning experiences.
Discover proven intervention strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into your teaching practices to promote communication, social skills, and academic growth.
Learn how to develop personalized intervention plans that cater to the unique needs and strengths of each student with ASD.
Explore techniques for fostering collaboration between educators, parents, and specialists, ensuring a holistic and cohesive support system for students with ASD.
Description
How can collaborative teachers balance rigorous grade-level standards with the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities? What strategies ensure that every learner—regardless of ability—can meaningfully engage in writing, math, speaking, and listening? The essential standards are complex and rigorous for most students, but this is especially true for those receiving special education services. Collaborative teachers play a critical role in ensuring these students are not left behind. In this session, Melissa Mann will share practical strategies for increasing rigor while providing the right supports so students can meet grade-level expectations. You’ll also explore best practices for special education teachers within the PLC process, equipping you with tools to collaborate effectively, raise expectations, and ensure student growth.
Key Takeaways
Discover strategies for scaffolding instruction in writing, math, speaking, and listening to meet rigorous standards.
Implement best practices for special education teachers participating in the PLC process.
Strengthen collaboration between general education and special education teachers to support diverse learners.
Apply practical methods to raise expectations and promote student success across content areas.
This is session one of six for the series titled Beginning Teachers: A Guide to Support Your Teaching Journey
NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Full members will also have access to view the recordings on-demand and earn up to six continuing education credits.
Workshop description: Effective teachers have several things in common: content knowledge, instructional strategies, classroom management, and planning!
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This pathway helps educators strengthen the knowledge and day‑to‑day strategies that make inclusion work: understanding key SPED laws and terminology, implementing classroom accommodations and interventions, and collaborating with families and IEP teams. Learn through video-based instruction, real classroom examples, and reflection that turns uncertainty into confident action.
