Description:
A teacher and therapist's guide to helping students with autism learn social skills.
Brief description: Megan R. Barrett, M.Ed., is currently a special education teacher for grades 6-8 at Ankeney Middle School in Beavercreek, Ohio. Megan's 9 years of teaching experience have come in both general and special education classrooms across elementary and middle school settings. Along with assistance from Jennifer M. Schmidt, Ms. Barrett piloted the PEERspective model, as well as created and implemented a social skills class curriculum at the middle school level. This program has been used the past three years at Ankeney Middle School. The class is designed to help students with autism and other communication needs be successful throughout their day. As an enthusiastic educator, Megan has presented the PEERspective program at several conferences focusing on autism and collaboration as it relates to special education. Megan was recently recognized as Beavercreek City Schools 2019 Teacher of the Year and continues to be an active member of Beavercreek City Schools' Autism Coalition Team. As a way of educating her peers and colleagues, along with supporting students with various learning needs, Megan presents at local universities in order to help fellow teachers find success in helping students with autism and other behavior issues through use of the PEERspective model.
Review Quotes:
"As a professor of teacher education, I appreciate having this textbook to support my pre-service teachers as they learn how to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom. The practical instructional strategies identified, along with the meaningful Teacher Talks that provide concrete steps for educators, all backed by evidence-based practices, allow me to confidently provide this resource to rising educators."
Jennifer T. Christman, Ed.D. Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Dayton
"Jennifer Schmidt and Megan Barrett have created a practical and ready-to-use social emotional learning resource for middle school students with this wonderful curriculum. Providing everything from program organization suggestions and materials to detailed lesson plans, this easy to read book will give any teacher the confidence, insight and inspiration to introduce their students to a world of social success through an evidence based peer coaching model! Always respectful of their students, Jen and Megan help teachers to understand common social skill challenges with humorous and relevant anecdotes from their daily lives in the classroom! This book will earn a well deserved spot on the middle school teacher's shelf!"
Lisa Combs, MA, Special Education, Certified Autism Specialist, President of Combs Educational Consulting, Ltd., Co-Owner of Best Friend Books, LLC, Author of Push to Open, Co-Author of Gear Up for Success