6 Professional Development for Special Education Teachers

As educators, our journey of learning never ends. Just as we encourage our students to strive for growth and improvement, it’s equally important for us, as teachers, to continuously seek out professional development for special education teachers. Here’s why investing in professional development for special education teachers are crucial for our growth and effectiveness in the classroom:

Professional development for special education teachers allows teachers to stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practices in education. The field of education is constantly evolving, with new methodologies, technologies, and strategies emerging regularly. By participating in professional development workshops, conferences, or courses, teachers can gain valuable insights into innovative teaching methods and approaches that can enhance student learning outcomes.

professional development for special education teachers

Enhance Teaching Skills and Pedagogy

Engaging in professional development activities provides teachers with opportunities to enhance their teaching skills and pedagogical knowledge. Workshops and training sessions offer practical strategies and techniques for effective lesson planning, classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment practices. By honing their teaching skills, educators can create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of their students.

Foster Collaboration and Networking

Professional development for special education teachers and events serve as platforms for teachers to collaborate, share ideas, and network with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through collaborative discussions, teachers can exchange insights, perspectives, and strategies for addressing common challenges and maximizing student success. Networking with fellow educators also provides opportunities for mentorship, support, and professional growth.

Professional Development for Special Education Teachers:

Council for Exceptional Children

At the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), professional development is what they do. They offer a wide variety of professional development opportunities through webinars, online courses, in-person trainings, conferences, and more. Find out how you can learn with CEC to gain evidence-based practices for students with exceptionalities and get the answers you need. This is an opportunity for you to look into your local CEC for professional development for special education teachers.

National Association for Special Education Teachers

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is a national membership organization dedicated to rendering all possible support and assistance to those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education.  NASET was founded to promote the profession of special education teachers and to provide a national forum for their ideas.

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is a national professional association that seeks to meet a critical need for many of America’s special education teachers. NASET was established as a professional organization for former, current, and future special education teachers who had no professional organization to call their own.  NASET develops and promotes professional excellence through the support of teachers who provide services to children with special needs.

International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, corporate and travel & entertainment professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with its board of clinical and subject matter experts and autistic individuals to provide professionals with a better understanding of autism and other neurodivergencies.

This is where I got my Certified Autism Specialist certification in 2023! This is another great website for professional development for special education teachers.

Education Modified

Education Modified is now offering research and evidence-based professional development on a range of special education topics! The offerings aim to make the work of educators easier while ensuring that student outcomes and achievement are a priority. They have a variety of trainings for you to watch and learn in their paid professional development platform!

Vector Solutions

The Vector Training Inclusive Instruction & Interventions online special education training equips administrators, teachers, and para-educators with the skills, instructional strategies, and resources needed to improve instruction and learning outcomes for all students.

They have evidence-based courses and training platform are accessible 24/7 from any device and administrators can easily assign and track completions in one convenient location. Meet everyone’s PD needs with 100+ courses on topics like Trauma, Behavior Management, Differentiated Instruction, ADHD, Dyslexia, Special Education Law, and more.

Have Dreams

They understand the complexities and uniqueness of each person with ASD and focus the programming and services on the core deficits: social skills, communication and independence.

Since its inception, Have Dreams has recognized the unmet needs of individuals living with ASD and responded by creating programs and services for children, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Considered a partner for the entire lifespan, Have Dreams meets people where they are with innovative programming and compassionate care. 

Their training programs leave parents, caregivers and professionals feeling empowered to help someone with autism succeed in their daily lives. They offer training in structure teaching models and setting up autism classrooms. This is another great website for professional development for special education teachers.

Read more on the website:

Free PD Opportunities

Train Staff to Use AAC

Work Collaboratively As An IEP Team

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