Supporting new special education teachers: How online resources and Web 2.0 technologies can help

Abstract

The article explores online resources and Web 2.0 technologies that can be used to provide support services and aid in the mentoring process for first year special education teachers. It describes how traditional teacher mentors, professional workshops, and teacher orientation programs often fail to provide new teachers support in areas such as paperwork for individualized education programs (IEPs), developing behavioral management plans, and implementing effective teaching methods. It provides a list of web sites that cover several topics related to new teachers including stress management, content knowledge, and assessment and examines how Web 2.0 technologies such as online social networks, wikis, and social bookmarking provide teachers with a collaborative environment.