1. Navigating SPED After BCLAD Emily Villagrana Bilingual Special Education Teachers Network August 2011

2. The SPED Program Communication is KEY! Always communicate with your professors first! If there are questions, need for clarification, bring it up in an email or office hours. Contact Dr. Regina Brandon. Give yourself ample time: To get your observational hours. To collect data. To work on homework assignments/reading. To complete projects (about 2-3 weeks in advance!)

3. Observations and Practicum Practicum (student teaching): pick a site, ask if you may observe, get it approved by advisor. 5 days a week M-F 14-16 weeks or longer depending on your abilities and development. Ask for letters of recommendation about a month before you leave your site. Ask them about positions that are open. Ask them about substitute teaching. Observations: Pick a site, ask if you may observe, get it approved by advisor. 15-20 hours a week Total of 100 hours. Network! With administrators at your site. Ask them about positions that are open. Ask them about substitute teaching.

4. Professional Conferences Housing - figure it out by January or February! Prices go up for hotels! Plan, Plan, and get ready to change your plans. Create a schedule of workshops you will attend. Schedule breaks. Pack lunches, snacks and water. Network! With potential employers. Possibly have business cards or website url to give out. (google lets you create free websites, and vistaprint.com offers 250 business cards as long as you pay for shipping!) Freebies! Take an extra bag or suitcase for the samples you’ll be getting. These are products you may consider using in the future with students. Create a log of the resources you find, so you may share with your cohort.

5. School  Life  Work Have a support network (they understand!) Study group Dinners Exercise Dancing Manage you time! Create a schedule Set deadlines Ask for feedback from friends and professors Family, Friends, Significant Others Talk with them beforehand work that is expected of you Time away from events Need their understanding and support ( $ )

6. Life After ALAS Get your professional portfolio ready! Get your letters of recommendation as soon as possible. Have and updated professional resume or curriculum vitae Go online, research districts (size, salaries, etc), and sign up to look at job postings and for substitute teaching.