As a former special education teacher, I cannot think of a more difficult time to teach students than right now. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional, mental, and physical toll on both teachers and students alike. Some school districts closed their doors to in-person instruction and shifted to an entirely virtual learning environment. Others instituted a hybrid model with students and teachers alternating between in-person instruction and learning from the confines of home.
Regardless of the modality by which you are teaching, I understand that the disruption to your students’ schedule has likely been stressful and taxing. Educators have had to find innovative and creative ways to educate their students throughout this pandemic, and while there is light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the development of the vaccine and continued drug research, 2021 is proving to be another tough year.
Students who are enrolled in special education programs have varying needs, some of which are quite unique. Many students tend to be visual learners and trying to continually hold their attention during a Zoom class without a doubt is challenging. Special education students often need to be shown how to do things, why things are done a certain way, and then that method of explanation needs to be reinforced. That’s why our Healthy Relationship Curriculum is an ideal program for special education students and students with varying needs.
Our program is highly adaptable and can be taught in-person, virtually, and in a hybrid learning model. We’ve included more than 100 videos, lesson plans, and comprehensive training as a part of the program. We know that one of the issues that educators face is trying to navigate the virtual learning environment. That’s why our program helps educators stay connected with students, their parents, and fellow educators with our built-in myHRC interactive online portal. On the portal, educators can remain in constant contact with their students, parents, colleagues, and us! It’s a space where you can seek advice, brainstorm, or simply ask questions. Additionally, our program contains role-plays and demonstrations to apply lessons to actual interactions, a curriculum manual that includes a list of materials, purposes, objectives, and quick references, and the ability to measure a student’s progress with outcome tools and quizzes.
I know that you will be fully prepared to deal with any teaching-related challenges that come your way because our program provides an abundance of resources. If you have questions about our program, please feel free to email me.
All my best,
Jen Falkowski, M.Ed.
