Consider the following strategies for collaborating with the integrated specialist:
- In collaboration with the integrated specialist, clearly define role expectations
- Check-in with the integrated specialist regularly
- Practice informed flexibility, i.e., adapting behaviour and thinking according to different learning environments
Consider the following strategies for facilitating engagement between students and integrated specialist:
- Inviting the embedded specialist to introduce themselves to your students during your class time OR recording a video interview/brief introduction with the specialist to highlight key support areas for your students
- Integrating specialists into assignments and/or giving students bonus points for consulting with a specialist (this must be determined through consultation with the specialist)
- Encouraging students to seek out specific supports (such as through Canvas announcements and messages)
- Reaching out to the specialist as the course progresses to share any feedback you have on their outreach to students
- Offering suggestions for topics that might benefit your students
And, when the course concludes, consider reflecting on the following:
- How did the integrated specialist benefit your students’ learning experiences?
- How did you collaborate with the integrated specialist? What changes would you make for your future courses?
TIPS TO COLLABORATE WITH Integrated SPECIALISTS
- Clearly communicate role expectations
- Check-in regularly
- Practice informed flexibility, i.e., adapting behaviour and thinking according to different learning environments