Our Special Education team, in collaboration with families and team members, has continuously applied a holistic approach to the social-emotional and educational growth of each student. KIPP SoCal teachers do much more than create enjoyable educational lessons, because they are compassionate, creative, and care to ensure that each student has the tools to learn and thrive!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our Resource Specialist Program Teacher’s day during Distance Learning at our public school, shared by Danielle Smalls at KIPP Pueblo Unido Upper School.
7:00 - 7:45AM — STARTING THE DAY RIGHT
I say "good morning" to my puppy Rosie and make sure she's comfortable before I leave for school! She helps me start my day of teaching on a pawsitive note (lol).
7:45 - 8:00AM — PREPARATION IS KEY
There is a bright opportunity each day, and I start by reading and responding to my emails. Then, I work on finalizing my PowerPoint slides in preparation for advisory.
8:00AM - 11:00AM — HUMANITIES AND MATH
Time for class — I co-teach both humanities and math. And, Algebra has just started! I incorporate story problems into my lessons to show students how certain math concepts can apply to real life.
11:00AM - 12:00PM — LEARNING IN SMALL GROUPS
The classroom is cleaned and ready for in-person small group intervention! I can't wait to see my KIPPsters.
12:00 - 1:00PM — FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Usually I’ll catch up on a podcast, chat with a friend, or browse through TikTok while munching away on a healthy packed lunch made at home.
1:00 - 2:00PM — RESEARCH-SUPPORTED READING INSTRUCTION
With a love of books, I especially look forward to our reading intervention period. During this time, I am able to connect with a small group of students to provide individualized instruction and reading support. We work on reading aloud a selection of varied material. Today, we’re diving into whether or not animals should be kept in zoos... and there are some strong opinions!
2:00 - 4:00PM — BUILDING STRONG PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS
Did someone say, “quick coffee break?” Yes, please. Now, I jump into productive lesson planning and parent/guardian calls! I love helping to meet the needs of each KIPPster’s individual education plan and part of that is communicating progress. I provide the achievements made towards goals to families and the plan ahead.
4:00 - 8:00PM — AFTER THE BELL RINGS
Time to relax! I start my evening by taking a stroll around the neighborhood park while listening to music or catching up on my reading. After I’ve had some “me” time, I whip up a home-cooked meal. One word: Yum.
FUN FACT: I am originally from Seattle, WA — home to the Space Needle landmark.
All the small moments with our KIPPsters — the things we do to learn a new math problem, the new words we read, the funny stories we tell — matter. Our connection through teaching and learning matter! At KIPP SoCal, we offer a full range of support and services aimed at ensuring that every child derives meaningful educational benefit to the largest extent possible! Join our KIPP SoCal Team & Family.
The Special Education instructional team consists of our Special Education Program Specialists, Regional Case Managers, Special Education Teachers (Resource Specialist Program and Special Day Class), and Special Education Assistants.