Professional development is essential for building educators equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by students in special education. On Aug. 5-6, members of the Special Schools leadership team welcomed nearly a dozen teachers and assistants from Harris County Department of Education’s four special schools to discuss the practical realities of the classroom. 

The annual bootcamp series is designed to provide the necessary tools and resources for a successful year by exploring behavior intervention strategies, reward systems and classroom management techniques. Educators shared battle-tested practices to build positive, supportive relationships with students and discussed ways to improve their systems in the new year. HCDE principals also stopped by to share additional insights into campus life and answer questions about students, staff and expectations. Bootcamp serves as educators’ first taste of what it means to be a part of #TeamHCDE, where professional development and a passion for students come together throughout the year to ensure success.