The document discusses lessons the author learned from a class about teaching students with special needs. The most important lessons were about empathy, teamwork, trust, communication, understanding the IEP process, and basic needs of families. The author stresses the importance of empathy from teachers, having an understanding team approach, trusting relationships between teachers and parents, open communication, educating parents on the IEP process, and understanding how families' basic needs affect a child's education. The overall message is that special needs parents want to feel teachers are on their side and care deeply about their children.

1. What I know
now….

2. ”
This class has taught me
some…but reaffirmed much…
and pleased me beyond words
that others are learning
tolerance and acceptance, as
well as understanding and
empathy
Being the parent of a special needs child, I did not take
away from the class as much as I usually do. But most of
what I took away has to do with the lessons I am pleased
others are learning. These are the parts of this course I
“
was most happy to see included!

3. Empathy… not sympathy…
 There is no way to synthesize empathy.
But teachers really need to have it with
parents. We do not experience this,
we live this. We know things are going
to be “okay”. But the hours of worry,
work, prayer, and thought… combined
with the thousands of dollars in toys,
technology, therapy and clothing… all
specially designed to make your child’s
life easier with Autism is overwhelming.
Having empathy from the teacher is so
important!

4. Teamwork
That saying, It takes a Village is
never more true than with special
needs kids. We have teams of
people! Therapists, doctors, nurses,
friends, family, and yes teachers…
they are some of the most
important. I certainly feel that is an
excellent concept for future
educators to walk away with… we
want you on our team!

5. Trust: Gaining the trust of a parent is an important lesson…
maybe the most important one of all. Even if I am
unhappy with the teacher, as a mother I need to TRUST
her! I need to know that everything that happens in that
classroom will always be in my child’s best interest. A
good, trusting relationship ensures that!

6. Communication
While other kids come home chattering
about their high points, their low points, the
best and worst parts of their day… Many
of our kids do NOT or cannot. So having
open good communication is so
important. The BEST part of my day as a
mom is picking up my son and listening to
his teacher tell me the things he did right
that day! Sometimes I hear the things he
did wrong…. But hearing those little
victories… it makes every single day I have
better!

7. Understanding
the IEP Process
This goes almost without
saying… but although the
teacher may know the
process… the parent is often
unaware of many factors of
the process. As a teacher,
walking parents through the
steps, talking to them about it
in advance, and working
through issues prior to the
meeting is so important!

8. Basic Needs: Understanding what parents need. Not all families are
as fortunate as mine. Many have needs that take away from the
focus on their child’s needs. Helping understand how a child’s basic
needs affect their ability to receive education can create a better
understanding of each child.

9. Please be on my side!
When parents come to
your classroom… they
want you to be on their
side. Through the weeks
the theme always
continued on building
relationships,
understanding the point
of view of the parent.
Putting yourself in their
position. This really helps
the parent feel as though
you are “On their Side”.
Something I love! The
feeling that I am on a
team.

10. The History! This was one of
my favorite parts! I learned
quite a bit here… but I love
that others had to learn
some too! The history of
how our laws came to be
and why really make a
difference in education.
Teachers need to know
why we no longer do some
things, and why we do
other… most of all… why
there are important!

11. Educators have this amazing ability
to impact the lives of children and
parents. With all children, parents
place their trust in you. With special
needs parents, we place so, so
much more in your hands. We
need guidance, communication,
help, and a love for our children.
Becoming empathetic and sharing
this experience with us, even for
one year, creates a faith in
education that is irreplaceable.