WCWAUT26386 How Post-Primary Teachers can best prepare themselves for supporting students with additional needs at the beginning of the school year

This webinar will explore the role of the mainstream post-primary teacher in supporting students with special educational needs at the beginning of the school year. Topics will include an overview of common special educational needs, preparing for students with SEN before the school year begins, expectations of the mainstream teacher, understanding student support plans and classroom accommodations, establishing inclusive classroom routines, practical strategies to support learning and participation, differentiation, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), effective collaboration, and practical approaches to creating an inclusive learning environment from Day One

John Burns is a teacher and the SET Team Lead at St. Mary's Secondary School, Macroom. Prior to this, I taught in a special school in Dublin, where I also served as Acting Deputy Principal. I hold a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs from Dublin City University (DCU). My professional interests include inclusive education, literacy intervention, teacher collaboration and developing whole-school approaches to supporting students with SEN. I am passionate about promoting practical, evidence-informed strategies that empower teachers to support students effectively within mainstream classrooms.