Articles and Advice
This page will be your go-to resource for in-depth articles and expert tips tailored to the ever-changing needs of school-based professionals. Drawing from our own experiences and insights from specialists in the field, we’ll share practical strategies and advice to support you throughout the school year. Whether it’s tackling back-to-school transitions, managing IEP season, or navigating end-of-year burnout, you’ll find valuable guidance to help you and your students thrive. Check back regularly for fresh content designed just for you!
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Navigating workplace challenges requires professionalism and composure, even in tough conversations. Staying calm, encouraging open dialogue, and actively listening can foster collaboration and effective problem-solving. This article outlines key strategies, including the D.E.A.R. approach, to help you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build stronger working relationships.
Encourage open communication - Voice that your goal is to find a solution to this issue together, to encourage a sense of collaboration (working together versus working against). Create a space where both parties feel comfortable to share their views, concerns, and thoughts on the matter.
Elevate by being an active listener! - Active listening is crucial in effective communication as it fosters understanding, builds trust, and enhances relationships. By fully engaging with someone, you demonstrate respect for their thoughts and feelings. Simple ways to demonstrate active listening include maintaining eye contact (if that feels comfortable to you), nodding to show acknowledgement, paraphrasing what they have said to confirm understanding, and asking open-ended questions that encourage further dialogue. These techniques not only clarify the message being conveyed but also signal to them that their input is valued, promoting a more collaborative and supportive environment.
Encourage both parties to suggest potential solutions to help foster a sense of teamwork and ‘togetherness.’
Try the D.E.A.R. strategy for calmly communicating your side to ask for what you want
D: Describe just the facts! Don’t mention feelings or emotions, just describe the facts of the situation (e.g. “I noticed that I keep getting invited for IEP meetings that are scheduled during therapy sessions I have with students”)
E: Express your feelings - *now* mention how the fact of this situation make you feel, along with why it makes you feel that way (“When this happens it makes me feel stressed, because I need to rearrange my therapy schedule or possibly miss participating in the IEP meeting”)
A: Assert and state what it is you want in a calm, professional manner (“I’d really love to have these meetings scheduled during my prep period, so I am able to attend without having rearrange my therapy schedule.”)
R: Reinforce this request by highlighting how it could be beneficial to both parties, and to students! (“It really would be a win-win situation - I will be less stressed and more present for meetings that I can attend, and also will be able to directly share my information with the whole team. It’s also better for my students to have routine in their therapy schedule as much as possible”)
Seek compromise - Sometimes you might need to give to get! Aim to find a solution that addresses the interests of both parties. Be open to finding middle ground.
Set clear expectations - Once a resolution has been agreed upon, clarify the steps each party will take moving forward to prevent future misunderstandings. It might also help to have this portion in writing (email, or a document) to refer back to later together, if needed (consider making a “SparkNotes Summary” of the conversation and agreement moving forward to)
Follow up - After the conflict is resolved, check in with each other to ensure that the solution is working and that no new issues have arisen. If new issues start to arise, consider handling them immediately before they grow or evolve.
Involve a mediator if necessary- We truly believe in you and your communication skills! We always encourage you to connect with your direct onsite supervisor first, but also know we’re here to support you if you run into any challenges or if you’d like more tips for navigating tricky situations. Don't hesitate to reach out!
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You made it!
After a year full of IEPs, schedule changes, breakthrough moments, tough conversations, and team wins—you’ve finally arrived at summer. But stepping away from school mode isn’t always easy. You might feel pulled to “get a head start,” or that you should be preparing.
This is your reminder: you do not need to be productive to deserve rest. Summer isn’t just a break—it’s a reset. Let’s talk about how to make it restorative in ways that actually work.
1. Give Yourself a Real Break (Guilt-Free)
Take naps. Watch trash TV. Be still. Be quiet. Say no. Or say yes to things with no strategic benefit whatsoever. Your nervous system has been on high alert for months—give it permission to downshift.
What this looks like in real life:
Going a whole day without opening your email
Saying, “I’m not thinking about work this week” out loud—and meaning it
Binge-reading a mystery series, knitting, or playing Animal Crossing just because
2. Designate “No-School” Days
If you’re the type who will start creeping back into prep mode mid-July (no shame—we’ve been there), try setting clear boundaries. Choose specific days or even weeks that are completely school-free.
Pro tip:
Mark those dates on your calendar like you would an IEP meeting. Protect that time like it matters—because it does.3. Reconnect with Who You Are Outside of School
It’s easy to let your identity blur into your role. Summer is a perfect time to explore the parts of you that have nothing to do with service minutes, Medicaid billing, or staff meetings.
Things we love:
Planning a day trip you never had time for during the year
Revisiting a hobby that didn’t fit into your weekly schedule
Journaling just to see what’s been on your mind lately (no structure needed)
4. Stay Connected to People Who Fill Your Cup
School work can be isolating, especially if you’re itinerant or part of a small team. Use summer to pour back into relationships that bring you energy instead of draining it.
Try this:
Reach out to a friend you only texted memes to during the year
Plan a meal, walk, or coffee catch-up with someone who knows you beyond your job title
Rebuild the social routines that got squeezed out by work deadlines
5. Don’t Plan Your Comeback Yet
You do not need to know your caseload, map out your goals, or print your first-week schedule right now. Trust that you’ll ease back into it when the time is right—and that you’ll be better equipped when you’ve given yourself time to recover first.
Instead of planning:
Write down one or two wins from last year you want to carry into next year
Keep a “someday” list in your notes app where ideas can go without pressure
Let rest be the most productive thing you do for a while
6. Carry Your Recharge Rituals Into the Fall
That mid-morning walk? Keep it. That iced coffee on the porch? Work it into your weekend. Those healthy habits you had space for this summer are worth preserving—even in small ways.
What this could look like:
Blocking out 15 minutes between sessions just to sit and breathe
Leaving one lunch break each week unscheduled, no matter what
Treating rest like part of your job—not the reward for doing it all
7. Remember Why You Started
Take a minute to jot down 1–2 moments from last school year that reminded you why you do this work. A student who opened up. A strategy that worked. A thank-you note from a parent. That moment you made a kid laugh on a tough day.
Put it somewhere visible. You’ll want it close when the school year gets loud again.
Rest isn't earned. It's essential.
The best version of you—the version who can collaborate, problem-solve, advocate, and connect—starts with a rested nervous system and a full cup. Take the break. Take it all the way. You’ll be better for it. Your students will, too. -
A Real-World Guide for School-Based Specialists (from people who’ve been there!)
Summer gave you space to breathe, and now the new school year is peeking around the corner. Whether you’re a first-year specialist, switching districts, or heading back for another round, we pulled together our favorite real-world tips and tricks to help you unwind, reset, and walk into Day One like a pro (even if you’re still winging it a little).
The Week-Before Warm-Up
You don’t have to go from zero to full-speed. Use the final week of summer break/ Staff Orientation to ease back in and get your systems in place without burning out before school starts.
1. Refresh Your Tools, Don’t Reinvent Them
No need to overhaul everything. Focus on practical prep:
Restock go-to items: sticky notes, hand sanitizer, visuals, timers, fidgets (Don’t forget your school site will have some and we also offer professional reimbursements!)
Update your favorite templates (we recommend saving “clean copies” of last year’s IEP logs, data sheets, and parent forms- we have some great resources in our hub!)
Print 2–3 “first week” activities you can adjust for any age group ( See our Ice Breaker Resource for Ideas!)
2. Know the Basics You Can Before You Walk In
We always recommend walking the building early if you can. Look for:
Your workspace or therapy area (and what storage you actually have)
The staff bathroom (trust us-it’s good to know ahead of time!)
Where the copier lives—and who knows how to fix it
Who to ask about student lists, building protocols, etc
Know who your direct supervisor onsite is and their preferred method of contact
Familiarize yourself with when any reoccurring team meetings are (Department meetings, District Meetings, etc) and which ones you should be attending/are aligned with your contract
3. First-Day Script = Instant Confidence
Whether with students or staff, have a 1-minute intro ready. Try:
“Hi! I’m [Your Name], and I’m the school [Your Job Title]. I work with students on [speech/emotional tools/fine motor/etc.] and love collaborating with staff to help kids succeed.”
It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel like you.
A fun way to engage students is to also share some personal traits! Maybe your favorite animal or movie? It can be a relatable moment with the students!
Tried-and-True Tips for Day One and Beyond
1. Set One Clear Goal for the First Month
Avoid the trap of trying to “do it all” right away. Choose one personal or professional goal that will make your day smoother:
“I’ll check my email at two specific times instead of all day long.”
“I’ll eat lunch without multitasking three days a week.”
“I’ll review every IEP in my caseload by Week 3.”
2. Use a “Cheat Sheet” Binder or Digital Hub
Keep your essential info in one place:
Staff contacts
Bell schedule
Your login info
A list of students with services (if available)
We love Google Sheets or a small accordion folder for this. It’s your safety net.
3. Make One Friendly Connection Early
Introduce yourself to a general ed teacher, front office staff, or para you’ll work with often. Starting with a simple “Hey, I’m excited to be here—let me know how I can help” lays the groundwork for solid teamwork.
Advice For Where You Are in School Journey
First-Year Specialists:
You’re building the plane as you fly it—and that’s okay. Expect to learn on the job and don’t be afraid to say “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.”
Pro tip: Find a buddy. Not necessarily your official mentor—someone you can text, vent to, or ask “Is this normal?” You’ll grow faster when you’re not flying solo.Returning Specialists:
You know what works. Trust yourself—but give yourself permission to change the systems that didn’t serve you last year.
Pro tip: Make a “stop doing” list alongside your to-do list. Drop what drained your energy and focus on what lights you up.New Site, This Year?
You’ve got the skills—but learning a new building, culture, and team takes time. Give yourself 4–6 weeks to truly settle in.
Pro tip: Create a “New Building Survival Kit” (above) You’ll look (and feel) ready for anything.You don’t need to be ahead. You just need to begin.
Whether you’re walking into your very first IEP meeting or prepping your fifth year of back-to-school activities, the work you do is real, meaningful, and deeply impactful. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful—and your students are lucky to have you. -
Welcome to your first school year as a school-based specialist! Whether you’re coming from clinical work, finishing grad school, or transitioning into education for the first time—this is a big shift. And yes, it can feel overwhelming. But it’s also exciting, meaningful, and completely doable. Let’s break it down.
1. Start Small—And Stay Curious
You won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay. Instead of trying to master it all on day one:
Focus on learning the school culture and daily routines
Ask questions (lots of them!) and observe before jumping in
Find your go-to people—office staff, case managers, related service providers
Curiosity and humility will take you farther than perfection.
2. Learn the School Language
Every school system has its own acronyms, rules, and timelines. Expect to hear terms like “MTSS,” “prep period,” and “504 plan” thrown around. Don’t panic! Keep a running list of terms you don’t know and ask for clarification when you need it.
3. Build Flexible Systems Early
You’ll discover what works for you as the year goes on, but having a few basics down early will help:
Track your sessions and communications consistently
Keep student info secure but easy to access when needed
Use or create templates for documentation and progress notes
Even a simple system is better than none. Make it your own.
4. Teachers Are Your Partners
Classroom teachers know their students well and juggle a lot. Building positive, proactive relationships will help everyone:
Share quick strategies or helpful observations
Ask what support they need from you
Show appreciation for their collaboration
Remember: the best student outcomes come from connected adults working as a team.
5. You’re Learning and Leading
It’s normal to feel like a newbie and an expert all at once. You don’t need to know everything. What matters is your commitment to learning and growing. Your perspective already matters.
6. Ask for Support—Often
You’re not expected to do this alone. If your school offers a mentor, lean on them. If not, find a trusted colleague or supervisor you can check in with regularly. Don’t white-knuckle through the tough days—you are not alone.
7. Give Yourself Grace
Your first year might feel messy, overwhelming, or even emotional. That’s okay. You’ll also laugh, grow, connect with students, and see the impact you’re making.
Remember: You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Your students are lucky to have you—and you’ve got this.
