20 Resources for Special Education Educators

Starting a career in special education is both exciting and challenging. As you step into this important role, having the right resources at your fingertips can make a world of difference—not just for you, but for the students you'll be supporting. Special education is all about finding the best ways to meet each student's unique needs, and the right tools can help you do just that.

To help you on your journey, we've gathered recommendations from experienced special education teachers who know exactly what you need to succeed. These professionals have been in your shoes and understand the impact that well-chosen resources can have. Whether it’s a book that offers practical strategies, an app that helps with classroom management, or an online community where you can find support and advice, these resources are designed to make your job easier and more effective.

9 Classroom Management Tips for Teaching High School
The site provides 9 classroom management skills that can be useful for high school teachers. Most of the skills would be useful for all grade levels. (Erick L, 9-12)

Autism Partnership Foundation
Provides insights into behavior management specifically with students with autism. (Kelsey M, K-5)

Boddle Learning
It is a great interactive math platform where teachers can create assignments with questions associated with specific skills that are taken from the common standards. (Ashley C, 6-8; K-5)

BrainPop
This site provides a wide range of educational videos that allow students to remain entertained and engaged while still learning. (Robin G, K-5)

Coolmath
This site provides many games that can help students work on their math facts and fluency skills in a way that is fun and interactive. (Ashely C, 6-8; K-5)

Council for Exceptional Children
Pedagogical grounding my district uses in the approach to special education. Many resources are available for teaching children with special needs. (Rahcel F, K-5)

Do 2 Learn
Diverse Resources, Free Downloads, Practicality, Customizable. (Stephanie T, K-5)

Dreambox
This is an awesome diagnostic-based gaming site to help students receive tailored math instruction. (Rachel F, K-5)

Edutopia
This site features case studies highlighting innovative and evidence-based teaching practices that work in education. It is super helpful for any teacher, SPED or not! (Jessica P, 6-8; K-5)

How to be a Better English Teacher
The site provides helpful strategies for how to be a more effective teacher no matter what subject you are teaching. (Erick L, 9-12)

Jeopardy Labs
Fun Jeopardy-type game to play with the class. (Theresa W, 9-12)

Kahoot!
This site can be used as a review game for students before a test. It allows the students to see questions on the smartboard and then answer the questions via their Chromebook or iPad. This encourages students to learn the information for their test. It can be utilized in groups/ teams or individuals. (Adeline K, K-5)

Magic School AI
While learning to write IEPs, Magic School AI is a great tool to aid in writing clear, concise goals and objectives. In addition, it can level readings in passages. (Emily B, 6-8)

National Geographic
Teaching resources/media and professional development. (Mariah M, 6-8; 9-12)

News2You
This site allows articles that are adapted for students in special education who read and understand at different levels. It helps teach about current events, holidays and more in a way that proves beneficial and entertaining to my students. It also has other resources like educational games related to real-life skills like sorting laundry and creating grocery lists. (Robin G, K-5)

NewsELA
Newsela has a wide variety of fact-checked news articles in the core content area subjects. In addition, it includes current events and fun-read articles to encourage students to be civically engaged. The articles come with custom questions/ quizzes to gauge reading comprehension and can be leveled by reading level. I use the articles for emergency lesson plans. (Emily B, 6-8)

Teachers Pay Teachers
This site has many resources available that were made by teachers. If this site can't provide something for you, it can help spark an idea. There are free items as well as items you can pay for on here. (Adeline K, K-5)

The Autism Helper Blog
This site provides a wealth of information and resources for teaching individuals with disabilities (specifically those with Autism but can apply to students with any developmental disability). Blog topics include academics, behavior, communication, and seasonal activities posted by a community of professionals working in special education. I have found these blog posts and linked resources extremely helpful for my current teaching position. (Jessica P, K-5; 6-8)

Understanding Autism
This resource allows teachers to learn more about autism spectrum disorder so they can better assist neurodiverse learners. (Kelsey M, K-5)

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.