Special Needs Teacher Onboarding Checklist

Special Needs Teacher Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Special Needs Teacher starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Special Needs Teacher, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Special Needs Teacher onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Special Needs Teacher Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new special needs teacher attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the school’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or human resources department.

2. Introduction to colleagues: The new teacher is introduced to their colleagues, including other teachers, support staff, and administrators. This helps build relationships and fosters collaboration. Colleagues and the school’s administration typically perform this task.

3. Classroom setup: The new teacher is responsible for setting up their classroom, including arranging furniture, organizing materials, and creating a visually appealing and functional learning environment. This task is performed by the teacher themselves, with support from colleagues or the school’s maintenance staff if needed.

4. Review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): The new teacher reviews the IEPs of their students to understand their specific needs, goals, and accommodations. This task is typically performed by the teacher, with guidance from the school’s special education coordinator or department head.

5. Curriculum familiarization: The new teacher familiarizes themselves with the curriculum and instructional materials used in the school, ensuring they align with the needs of their special needs students. This task is performed by the teacher, with support from curriculum coordinators or department heads.

6. Training on assistive technology: The new teacher receives training on the use of assistive technology devices and software that can support special needs students in their learning. This task is typically performed by the school’s technology department or special education coordinator.

7. Collaboration with support staff: The new teacher collaborates with support staff, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists, to understand their roles and how to effectively work together to meet the needs of special needs students. This task is performed by the teacher, support staff, and the school’s special education coordinator.

8. Familiarization with behavior management strategies: The new teacher learns about effective behavior management strategies and techniques to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. This task is typically performed through professional development sessions or workshops organized by the school or district.

9. Introduction to Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHCPs): The new teacher reviews the IHCPs of students with specific medical needs, ensuring they are aware of any necessary accommodations or procedures. This task is performed by the teacher, with guidance from the school nurse or healthcare coordinator.

10. Understanding emergency procedures: The new teacher familiarizes themselves with the school’s emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, lockdown drills, and protocols for medical emergencies. This task is typically performed through training sessions organized by the school or district.

11. Parent communication: The new teacher establishes communication channels with parents or guardians of special needs students, ensuring they are kept informed about their child’s progress, challenges, and any necessary support. This task is performed by the teacher, with support from the school’s administration or special education coordinator.

12. Professional development opportunities: The new teacher is informed about professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or online courses, that can enhance their knowledge and skills in special education. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or professional development coordinator.

13. Mentorship program: The new teacher is paired with an experienced special needs teacher who can provide guidance, support, and advice during their initial period at the new company. This task is typically organized by the school’s administration or special education department.

14. Review of school policies and procedures: The new teacher reviews the school’s policies and procedures related to special education, including discipline policies, inclusion practices, and confidentiality guidelines. This task is performed by the teacher, with support from the school’s administration or special education coordinator.

15. Observation of experienced teachers: The new teacher observes experienced special needs teachers in action to learn effective instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and ways to differentiate instruction. This task is typically organized by the school’s administration or special education department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Special Needs Teacher checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Special Needs Teacher up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.