Special education across education programs nationwide is an incredibly high-need teacher shortage area, and mentoring can make a profound difference in teacher retention and effectiveness. Within this handbook, mentoring partnerships will be guided through the first year of a new special education teacher from start to finish. A month-to-month resource for both mentors and mentees, this resource focuses on self-reflection cycles of growth and goal-setting, including self-care strategies.

Additionally, the handbook focuses on evidence-based practices in special education tying resources to the High Leverage Teaching Practices (Council for Exceptional Children) providing templates to be adapted to local school districts for K-12 special education program use. The framework of this handbook is to provide evidence-based practices to promote inclusive special education programs where all K-12 students have equity, access, and achievement. New and experienced special education teachers will learn how to effectively promote and integrate inclusive special education programs, emphasizing that special education is not a “place” but instead a “service” comprised of intensive support, collaboration, and accessibility.