
This post originally appeared on the blog Mrs. P’s Specialities.
Say what?! You read the title correctly! It is important to set up your classroom so that it can run well even when you’re not in the room.
Set up systems and routines

As you can see, my lesson plans are pretty straightforward and easy. My system for making sure you can find all of the materials you need for every lesson is even easier!!
Click {HERE} to read more about the easiest lesson planning system ever!
Another great way to ward off questions and interruptions is to plan ahead and post information staff need. Make sure you post it in a place they see regularly and can freely get to. Examples of things to plan and post are when are breaks and lunches for paras, before and after school duties for paras, times that therapists can’t pull students, etc. If you aren’t sure what else to plan for, start making a list of the reasons why someone or something interrupted your lessons. As soon as possible, make a plan for those items, train others on the plan and post the plan if possible.
It is challenging to be a teacher…especially a special ed. teacher! Our students need more intense and direct instruction. My students are HIGHLY distractable, and can’t regain attention easily after there is an interruption. We must plan ahead and design a program that meets their needs just like our instruction does.

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Pam is a moderate to severe special education teacher and author of the blog Mrs. P’s Specialties. Pam creates products that focus on academics, communication, and life skills. She is passionate about saving teachers time and money, so she creates multiple leveled resources to fit the needs and levels of all students. Pam lives in NY with her husband and 2 kids. You can visit her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or her TpT store. To learn more about her teaching methods visit her at her blog, Mrs. P’s Specialties.