So overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

I recently took a position as a full-time resource room teacher through an agency, as an independent contractor for the BOE.

The school I am in has never had any special ed service providers, so it is up to me to figure things out.

I have already made the service schedules.

I am having difficulty finding activities to do.

I went to the teacher store on Sunrise and Lakes Shore supply and picked up some reading comprehension, writing and math workbooks.

I can't figure out where to start?

Which goal(s) do I start on first?

Am I supposed to supplement the learning in the classroom or come up with lessons to work toward meeting the goals? Or both?

How do you strike a balance?

Any suggestions on websites that I can print short stories at the appropriate grade level for lessons?

This is my first teaching experience and I feel like I am not prepared!

Re: So overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

I was petty much in a similiar position this past September. I became a Resource Room teacher for the first time.

I can (hopefully) help you- but what grade(s) are you working with? That will play a major role in what you do in RR

Re: So overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

Can you check the students' IEPs? That should give you a good idea of their goals. From there, maybe ask the grade level teachers for their curriculum?

I'd focus on building the basics - work on filling in the gaps of information/skills needed to meet with success in the curriculum.

Re: So overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

I would also ask the teachers what the students needs were in particular.

When I was first hired, I was hired as essentially a resource room teacher. I was totally new and it helped having the teachers tell me what they were going to be teaching that week and what they wanted the children to strengthen.

Re: So overwhelmed, I don't know where to start!

Our resource room teachers would send us forms to fill out with what we were doing in the classroom so that they could work on coinciding skills.

Compare the student goals with NYS standards and maybe that can guide you with planning.