Designed with the unique challenges of special education in mind, this training focuses on preventing burnout by building proactive systems and strong relationships from day one – starting with a beginning-of-year checklist.

Participants will explore the power of backward planning to create manageable and meaningful routines that are aligned with student needs and school expectations. They’ll learn how to start the year strong by setting clear priorities, organizing key documents, and creating structures that support both instruction and compliance.

Collaboration will be a key theme, with a focus on working effectively with colleagues, including general educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers. Attendees will develop strategies for sharing responsibilities, navigating difficult conversations, and fostering a team-based approach to problem solving.

By the end of the session, teachers will leave with a toolkit of templates, planning resources, and strategies designed to sustain them through the demands of the school year—without sacrificing their own well-being.

Outcomes:

• Implement backward planning to align instruction, IEP development, and compliance tasks.
• Establish routines and organizational strategies that support a smooth start to the school year and are easily carried through to the last day of school.
• Strengthen collaborative practices with colleagues to share workload and improve student support.