Working with SERTs
For any teacher, embracing the full inclusion model can seem daunting and
sometimes impossible, which is why establishing relationships and networks with
other professionals, especially your Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT),
is pivotal to managing your classroom more effectively and efficiently. The SERT
is your resource and ally for all things related to disabilities and exceptionalities.
Below are some quick and practical strategies for making the most of your
[human] resources and for managing your inclusive and dynamic classroom.
sometimes impossible, which is why establishing relationships and networks with
other professionals, especially your Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT),
is pivotal to managing your classroom more effectively and efficiently. The SERT
is your resource and ally for all things related to disabilities and exceptionalities.
Below are some quick and practical strategies for making the most of your
[human] resources and for managing your inclusive and dynamic classroom.
How to Start a Partnership
![Picture](/uploads/4/7/7/5/47753231/1425331211.png)
- Schedule a meeting with the SERT immediately to introduce yourselves and your defined roles, discuss services and resources available in the school
- Follow-up with a more targeted meeting to review the identified students’ profiles, previous IEPs and procedures for managing these specific cases throughout the year
- Establish open and honest lines of communication where both parties feel supported and respected (Giangreco, 2003)
Extending the Team to Include Parents
The SERT can:
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Continuing Support
The SERT can:
If you're still wondering about how your role as the classroom teacher fits in, check out this Ontario Ministry of Education document that clearly outlines your responsibilities. |
Practical Application - Case Study
James Smith (Gifted and mild ASD)
The SERT can:
Eric Banks (Not identified, but suspected dyslexia and ADHD)
The SERT can:
Josie Halford (Angelman Syndrome)
The SERT can:
Ali Parks (Profound visual impairment)
The SERT can:
The SERT can:
- Guide the construction and implementation of a Behaviour Plan with LouAnne
- Provide a designated “safe zone” for James to go to calm down, work independently and have familiar adult support
- Include James in team meetings and allow him to have input into his modifications and needs
- Act as the mediator in team meetings between teacher, parents and James
Eric Banks (Not identified, but suspected dyslexia and ADHD)
The SERT can:
- Make additional contact attempts with his parents
- Provide a fresh perspective and unbiased support for all parties
- Facilitate an identification and formalization of his exceptionalities
- Collaborate in writing an IEP with LouAnne
- Monitor Eric’s progress with reference to the IEP and modify the program as necessary (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2007)
Josie Halford (Angelman Syndrome)
The SERT can:
- Provide a whole-class session on communication strategies
Ali Parks (Profound visual impairment)
The SERT can:
- Collaborate a meeting between LouAnne, Rachel and herself to discuss the past and present arrangements for Ali Parks
- Update Ali’s IEP to reflect the agreed upon goals
- Tutor LouAnne, or arrange for Rachel to, in the assistive technologies used and available to Ali
Additional Resources
- Interested in becoming a SERT? Find out your compatibility and all the details of the role here!
- Top 10 Challenges of a SERT
- Tips to collaborating with a SERT
- Q&A for parents regarding Special Education
- Special Education Terms and Abbreviations - A quick reference for parents and teachers to better understand Special Education language
Works Cited
Giangreco, Michael F. "Working with Paraprofessionals." Teaching All Students 61.2 (2003): 50-53. Web. 6 Feb. 2015.
Ontario Ministry of Education, Shared Solutions: A Guide to Preventing and Resolving Conflicts Regarding Programs and Services for Students with Special Education Needs. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2007.
Upper Canada District School Board. Special Education Resource Teacher. 2011. Job Post Description. Frankville, Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Education, Shared Solutions: A Guide to Preventing and Resolving Conflicts Regarding Programs and Services for Students with Special Education Needs. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2007.
Upper Canada District School Board. Special Education Resource Teacher. 2011. Job Post Description. Frankville, Ontario.