The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) empowers special education teachers, advocates, and professionals with practical training, trusted resources, and meaningful connections - supporting those who make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.
Nobody: Absolutely nobody: Me after BCASE: 'WELL ACTUALLY, accommodations don't change the curriculum but modifications DO, and related services enable access, so this student needs ALL THREE' 💅
Become a Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (BCASE) and walk into IEP meetings knowing exactly what schools are legally required to provide:
✅ Stop guessing - Know the actual federal definitions schools can't argue with
✅ Speak their language - Use the exact IDEA terminology that forces action
✅ Get results - When you know the law, kids get what they need
October is National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month!
October is also Dyslexia Awareness Month and we’re celebrating with a webinar!
🚨 Dyslexia & The Science of Reading – FREE for NASET MembersOn Tuesday, Oct 22 @ 7PM EST, Dr. David A. Kilpatrick, one of the nation’s top dyslexia experts, reveals the latest research + practical strategies to transform how you support struggling readers.
✔️ Evidence-based interventions that actually work
✔️ Tools you can use the very next day
✔️ Replay included🎯 This is THE Dyslexia Awareness Month training you can’t miss.
We’re Giving Away 200+ Gift Cards — Want One?
Your voice helps shape the future of special education resources at NASET. All it takes is 10 minutes to complete our quick survey — and as a thank you, you’ll be entered to receive a gift card on us.
✔️ Fast & easy (10 minutes or less)
✔️ Over 200 gift cards available
✔️ Your feedback makes a real difference👉 Scroll down for more information and to submit your response!
Ever have a burning special education question and you didn’t know where to turn, even as a special education professional? Introducing, NASET’s Ask The Experts, our monthly sessions where you can ask us anything! Our first session is this Tuesday October 7 at 4pm EST. Anyone can ask a question, but only members have access to the live sessions (they’ll be recorded).
👉 Ask Our Special Ed Experts Anything!
NASET Support Squad: Download of the Week
👉 Scroll down for more information and to submit your response
This fall, NASET will be recognizing Higher Education and Adult Learning Institution Special Education Programs that support the next generation of special education leaders. We’d love to learn who you’d like to see celebrated!
👉 Share your recommendations here!
October Special Educator e-Journal
Perry Zirkel’s September Legal Update
The Power of Observation: Witnessing Inclusive Practices Drive Academic, Communication, and SEL Growth in Public and Special Schools by Dr. Deborah Boldt
Moving Beyond Learning Styles: Practical UDL Strategies That Work by Melissa Beck Wells, Ed.D., BCASE, BCISE, CRCM
POLICY & FUNDING DEVELOPMENTS The government shutdown raises concerns about impacts on people with disabilities. The Education Department has reopened mental health grant applications with new requirements. Thousands of complaints are in limbo following closure of a civil rights office. Despite focus on autism policy, a key advisory panel remains defunct. The Department of Transportation will not enforce wheelchair passenger protection rules. New H-1B visa fees may impact schools facing teacher shortages.
TEACHER SHORTAGE CHALLENGES New maps reveal gaps in special education and English learner teacher supply across the country. Reports examine teacher shortage solutions for special education and English learner programs. Civil rights commissioners show mixed views on special educator shortage solutions.
EDUCATION & STUDENT SUPPORT Some districts are exploring SEL rebranding as social-emotional learning programs adopt new terminology. Schools are exploring AI companions for student mental health support. Examining how ADHD is punished in schools and strategies teachers can use to support these students better.
RESEARCH & HEALTH INSIGHTS Research published in JAMA Network Open discusses nonverbal learning disability outcomes in children. A Nature study identifies genetic variants associated with autism spectrum traits, advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying autism. The New York Times explores autism spectrum and neurodiversity perspectives amid policy debates. Federal officials seek answers to rising autism rates, though scientists say obvious factors are being ignored. CNN provides context on acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism concerns.
LEGAL & ACCESSIBILITY DEVELOPMENTS AMC Theatres faces accusations of disability discrimination. Target is working to boost accessibility at its stores, implementing new accommodations and features for customers with disabilities.
21% of students with intellectual disabilities spent 80%+ of their time during the school day in general classes
A Book Every Special Educator Needs on Their Shelf
For decades, children of color with disabilities have been placed into systems that don’t fully see them.
Reimagining Inclusion asks the questions that others avoid — and offers solutions educators can act on today.
Shout Out to Last Week’s Winners Who Correctly Guessed, “Universal Design for Learning (UDL)” View the winners list here!
This Week's Question:
What does the "M" in the mnemonic "THE MOM LOVES DAD" represent for IDEA categories?
Correctly answer 3 or more trivia questions each month to be eligible for a gift card! We had 19 winners in September!
Whether you’re dealing with grief, want to improve your coping strategies, or you’re just feeling down — therapy is for you. BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy, and it’s 100% online.
What is the term for instructional strategies that provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement?
🎁 200+ gift cards. 10 minutes. Zero catch.
We're giving away gift cards for one reason: we genuinely want to know how to serve you better.
What courses do you actually need? What drives you crazy about professional development? What would make NASET unmissable?
Share your unfiltered thoughts. Get entered to win. Simple as that.
“For what are we, if not measured by our impact on others?"