When you’re a teacher you never stop learning. That’s especially true for special educators. However, finding organizations that offer high-quality professional development and educational resources can be tricky.
We have curated some of the best places and organizations to learn more from for special education below. They are a great place to start if you want to learn more about a specific special ed topic so that you can better serve your students.
Resource Organizations for Special Ed
Understood.org
Understood.org’s mission is to help those with learning and thinking differences to feel empowered and successful through understanding their differences and how they impact life. The site houses resources for individuals with disabilities, parents, and teachers alike. From webinars to ebooks, there are resources for everyone.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
If you want to learn more about dyslexia, the International Dyslexia Association is a good place to start. They are passionate about educating about dyslexia and advocating for evidence-based programs to help those with dyslexia succeed. Their annual conference brings in some of the biggest names in the field of dyslexia.
The Intentional IEP
Filled with current resources for special education, The Intentional IEP is a solid resource for educators who want to learn more about navigating the IEP process, how to write better IEPs, and how to deal with the IEP team as a whole. Specialized teacher trainings happen throughout the year and the membership offers educators access to thousands of IEP goals, planning sheets, and more.
National Association of Special Educators (NASET)
The National Association of Special Educators (NASET) is dedicated to meeting the needs of special educators. It is the largest organization whose sole focus is the educators who work with children with special needs. They provide resources, education, and support through their website and membership to help address teachers’ needs.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Celebrating its 100th year in 2022, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest professional organization for special educators. They are dedicated to setting standards, providing training, and advocating for policies for students with special needs and those who help them succeed. They offer online and in-person professional development.
Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
Designed to provide education to special educators and those working with students with learning disabilities, the Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) offers everything from quarterly publications to conferences. Some states even have their own chapters of CLD to provide more targeted training and support for their educator members.
International Association for Special Educators (IASE)
With members in over 50 countries, the International Association for Special Educators (IASE) focuses on providing support and education to special educators and students throughout the world. They have an extensive membership list of teachers, psychologists, clinicians, family members, and more who work together to provide education that will empower teachers to reach all of the exceptional students.
What are some of your favorite organizations for special education? Share them with us below!
