3 Min Speech for SPED Teachers: Introducing Yourself and Your Staff to the General Ed Classroom, Promoting #Inclusion

I have made it a point this year to reach out to Gen Ed teachers, set up a time DURING THE FIRST WEEK of class to visit the classroom if you're not already scheduled to be there, and give a simple, 3 minute spiel that goes a little something like this: 

My name is Mr. Stephen and I teach Math and English here at Lowel (obviously, you'd say your school name instead)l. I'm also an inclusion teacher, which means that part of my job is to make sure that we have an inclusive community and that we are able to work together regardless of things like age, race, gender and ABILITY! 

You have some great teachers this semester! Obviously you know (insert classroom teacher name) by now, but allow me to introduce you to some of the other adults who will be working with you this semester (only applicable if someone other than you will be supporting in the room). 

My/our job is to support ALL STUDENTS, but what you MIGHT see, is you MIGHT see me/us working with certain students more than others. 

Let me tell you what this DOES NOT mean. This DOES NOT mean that these students are any less capable than you are. It does not mean that these students are any less "high school" than you are (you can substitute this for whatevuh), and most importantly it does not mean that these students don't want to make friends just like anyone else! 

If you see one of your classmates struggling, you don't need to wait for a teacher. You can help out by repeating instructions, guiding students who are confused, asking a teacher for help if you aren't sure what to do, and by building friendships with all students, even those who may seem different. 

This isn't anything crazy or scary. We are all in this together and we will make it work. Know that you are welcome to ask questions, request help or just say hi to any of the teachers in your room at any time! I am confident that we will continue to become more and more inclusive and accepting here at Lowell. 

Thanks for your time and attention! Have a great semester!


This is great because 1.) you and your staff will have a defined presence and you will not seem like dirty creeps lurking in the shadows of the classroom 2.) GenEd students will hopefully understand your roles a bit better, 3.) You are not singling out any student with a special need 4.) it's a super short lesson on ability awareness 5.) it encourages friendships between all people

There are more reasons but I have stuff to do. Gotta go.