Special education teachers play one of the most important roles in education—supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. While incredibly rewarding, this work can also be demanding. That’s why having access to the best resources—from teaching tools to professional support networks—can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a new special education teacher or a seasoned professional looking to expand your toolkit, this blog highlights some of the top resources to help you create meaningful learning experiences, stay organized, and continue growing in your career.
Educational Websites & Online Tools
a. Understood.org
Understood.org offers free, high-quality resources for helping students with learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, and processing disorders. The platform includes classroom strategies, behavior tools, and family communication guides.
b. CAST (Universal Design for Learning)
CAST offers a deep dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL), providing tools and research-based strategies to make learning accessible for all students. Their resources help teachers adapt instruction to meet diverse needs.
c. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
NCLD provides research, policy updates, and educator tools focused on learning disabilities. It’s a great resource for understanding legislation like IDEA and staying informed about student rights.
Teaching Materials & Curriculum Support
a. Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)
TPT is a favorite among educators for ready-to-use lesson plans, worksheets, behavior charts, and individualized educational plan (IEP) forms. Many materials are specifically created for special education classrooms.
b. Newsela
Newsela provides leveled reading materials that allow teachers to adapt the same content for students at different reading levels—perfect for inclusive classrooms.
c. Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets offers research-backed strategies for teaching literacy to students with reading difficulties. Their guides and lesson ideas are especially useful for teachers supporting students with dyslexia or decoding struggles.
Behavior & Classroom Management Tools
a. PBIS.org
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is widely used for improving schoolwide behavior systems. Their website offers free tools, templates, and case studies to support positive behavior strategies.
b. ClassDojo
ClassDojo helps teachers reinforce positive behaviors and connect with families. It’s also great for tracking individual student progress in an engaging, student-friendly way.
c. Social Stories by Carol Gray
Social stories are essential for helping students on the autism spectrum understand situations, behaviors, and expectations. Carol Gray’s official resources provide guidance on writing and using effective social stories.
Assistive Technology Tools
a. Bookshare
Bookshare provides free audiobooks, ebooks, and digital text for students with reading barriers. It’s an excellent resource for visually impaired learners or those with dyslexia.
b. Learning Ally
Learning Ally offers human-narrated audiobooks, particularly helpful for students who need support with reading fluency and comprehension.
c. Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech Tools
Tools like Google Read&Write, NaturalReader, and built-in accessibility settings on devices help students who struggle with writing or reading.
Professional Development Resources
a. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
CEC is one of the top professional organizations for special educators. Members gain access to webinars, journals, research, and training materials tailored specifically to special education.
b. IRIS Center (U.S. Department of Education)
The IRIS Center provides free, high-quality professional development modules on topics like behavior management, IEP development, and disability characteristics.
c. EdWeb.net
EdWeb offers free webinars and networking groups, including communities specifically for special education teachers looking to expand their knowledge.
IEP & Documentation Tools
a. IEPWriter
This tool simplifies the IEP writing process with templates, goal banks, and report-generation tools that help teachers stay compliant and organized.
b. Goalbook
Goalbook links IEP goals to state standards while offering research-based instructional strategies. It’s especially helpful for writing personalized, measurable goals.
c. IEP Goal Banks
Goal banks—available free online—provide examples of goals for communication, behavior, academics, and functional skills. They’re great starting points for crafting individualized plans.
Support Communities for Special Education Teachers
a. Facebook Groups
Groups like Special Education Teachers Unite or IEP Help for Parents and Teachers provide a place to ask questions, get teaching ideas, and share experiences.
b. Reddit – r/SpecialEd
A supportive community where teachers share strategies, vent frustrations, and discuss real-world classroom challenges.
c. Local & State Organizations
Many states have special educator associations that offer workshops, networking, and advocacy opportunities.
Books Every Special Education Teacher Should Read
- “The Out-of-Sync Child” by Carol Stock Kranowitz – A must-read for understanding sensory processing issues.
- “Lost at School” by Ross W. Greene – A compassionate approach to behavior challenges.
- “Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms” – A practical guide for inclusive teaching strategies.
- “Driven to Distraction” by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey – One of the best books for understanding ADHD.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Special Educators with the Right Tools
Special education teachers are difference-makers, advocates, and champions for students with unique learning needs. Having the right resources can lighten the workload, improve classroom outcomes, and ensure students receive the support they deserve.
From assistive technology to professional development and community support, the tools listed above can help you stay organized, inspired, and effective in your role.
Whether you’re looking for teaching strategies, behavior tools, or ways to connect with other educators, these resources can help you thrive as a special education teacher.
