Quick Win Strategies: 15-Minute Differentiation Tips for Busy Teachers
Differentiation doesn’t have to be difficult As a teacher, your to-do list is endless. From lesson planning to grading and
Choosing Inclusion:
How the Words We Use Can Build (or Break) Belonging
Originally published at https://teachergoals.com/choosing-inclusion/
Working as a resource teacher, I have the incredible privilege of providing inclusive education services to students with diverse learning needs, talents- including students who are on the autism spectrum. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know them- their strengths, their challenges, their unique ways of seeing the world. This has shaped me not just as an educator, but as a person.
Recently, there has been a rise in public conversations about autism and disabilities- some of them thoughtful and necessary, but far too many that are rooted in misinformation, fear, and stigma. Hearing public figures make disparaging remarks about the autistic community as a whole has been heartbreaking, not just because of the inaccuracy of their words, but because of the real harm such rhetoric can cause.
Why Words Matter
Throughout the years, there have been numerous quotes about the power of words:
“The pen is mightier than the sword.” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton
“A drop of ink may make a million think.” – George Gordon Byron
“One lie has the power to tarnish a thousand truths.” -Al David
Our words hold power. And when those words are said by those in power, they become even stronger. When public figures speak, their words can shape societal views. We see this when celebrities say they prefer one brand of make up over another. We see this when athletes wear certain labels instead of others. And we see this when leaders use their words to divide and instill fear and negativity into what can be an already nuanced topic.
This is what we’ve seen recently when it comes to conversations about autism and disabilities. Harmful narratives, whether based on misinformation, outdated beliefs, or personal bias, don’t stay contained to a single interview or soundbite. They ripple outward, influencing how society sees, treats, and values people on the autism spectrum.
When having a disability is framed as something tragic, broken, or shameful, it doesn’t just hurt feelings. It deepens stigma. It creates barriers to inclusion. It teaches our children, those on the spectrum and those who are not, that difference is something to fear rather than to embrace.
That’s why it’s so important to push back against these harmful narratives and replace them with truth, understanding, and compassion. Our students are listening. Our communities are listening. And what they hear can either build a more inclusive future or set it back.
Autism is a Spectrum, Not a Stereotype
Autism itself is not a disease. It is a neurological difference that can impact social interactions, expressive and receptive language, behavior patterns, and intellectual ability. But autism is also not “one size fits all.”
It exists on a spectrum meaning that no two autistic individuals are exactly alike. Some may require minimal or no support to navigate daily life, while others may need intensive, lifelong assistance. Strengths and support needs can vary widely, even among individuals with the same diagnosis.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. While this number is higher than it was in previous year, it’s important to understand what else has increased over the years, as well:
Such as the number of people seeking evaluations.
The ability of professionals to recognize and diagnose autism more accurately.
The growing awareness that autism presents differently across genders, racial groups, and cultures- groups that historically went under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Increased numbers are not necessarily a sign of an epidemic. They are a sign that more people are being seen, understood, and given access to the supports they need and deserve.
Conducting research and studies on Autism is essential. But while that is being done, instead of promoting fear and stigma, we should be promoting understanding and inclusion.
What True Inclusion Looks Like
At its core, true inclusion is about dignity. It’s about ensuring every student is recognized for their strengths, supported in their challenges, and seen as a valued member of the classroom community. And this not despite their differences, but rather because of them.
When we commit to building inclusive classrooms, we aren’t just changing outcomes for students with disabilities. We are creating richer, more compassionate learning environments for all students.
Inclusion is more than simply placing students with disabilities into general education classrooms. True inclusion is about creating a learning environment where every student feels they truly belong—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Real inclusion happens when students are actively engaged in learning, when instruction is differentiated to meet their needs, and when classroom culture values every learner’s contributions.
How We Can Move Toward a More Inclusive Future
But what does that look like? How can we push for inclusion and make sure our students know we accept and celebrate who they are? It has to go beyond having good intentions and into taking intentional actions. It’s not enough to believe in inclusion in theory; it must be reflected in our classrooms, our schools, and our communities every single day.
1. Embrace a Strengths-Based Mindset
Too often, students with disabilities are viewed through a lens of deficiency: what they cannot do instead of what they can. True inclusion begins when we recognize and nurture the strengths, talents, and interests that every student brings to the table.
2. Invest in Meaningful Professional Development
Teachers deserve support, too. They need Professional Development Opportunities to learn about neurodiversity, differentiated instruction, and strategies that can support ALL students. This empowers educators to create environments where all students thrive, not just those who fit a traditional mold.
3. Foster a Culture of Belonging
True inclusion isn’t just about physical placement in a classroom; it’s about belonging. Students should feel seen, respected, and connected. Building a sense of belonging benefits every student, not just those with disabilities.
4. Advocate Beyond the Classroom
Advocacy doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Families, educators, and community members must continue pushing for policies, funding, and cultural shifts that prioritize accessible, inclusive education for all learners.
At the heart of inclusion is a simple truth: every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and seen for who they are- not judged by outdated stereotypes or harmful narratives. As educators, we have a responsibility to create environments where difference is not just tolerated but embraced and where every student has the chance to thrive.
The words we choose, the actions we take, and the beliefs we hold will either build that future or hold it back. Let’s choose to move forward.
If you’re looking for practical strategies to build more inclusive classrooms where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported, I share more ideas, tools, and frameworks in my book, Blueprint for Inclusion.
Together, we can move beyond outdated narratives and create educational spaces where every student gets the chance to thrive.
Learn more about Blueprint for Inclusion at RebekahPoeTeaching.com/book
Autism itself is not a disease. It is a neurological difference that can impact social interactions, expressive and receptive language, behavior patterns, and intellectual ability. But autism is also not “one size fits all.”
It exists on a spectrum meaning that no two autistic individuals are exactly alike. Some may require minimal or no support to navigate daily life, while others may need intensive, lifelong assistance. Strengths and support needs can vary widely, even among individuals with the same diagnosis.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. While this number is higher than it was in previous year, it’s important to understand what else has increased over the years, as well:
Such as the number of people seeking evaluations.
The ability of professionals to recognize and diagnose autism more accurately.
The growing awareness that autism presents differently across genders, racial groups, and cultures- groups that historically went under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Increased numbers are not necessarily a sign of an epidemic. They are a sign that more people are being seen, understood, and given access to the supports they need and deserve.
Conducting research and studies on Autism is essential. But while that is being done, instead of promoting fear and stigma, we should be promoting understanding and inclusion.
Looking for ways to differentiate instruction without hours of extra planning?
I get it. You’re a busy teacher with a busy life. You know that true instruction isn’t “one-size-fits-all,” but planning a lesson to meet all the needs of your diverse learners seems daunting and time consuming.
I’ve compiled a list of over 25 ways you can start differentiating instruction in your classroom RIGHT NOW. Sign up to download my differentiation checklist and get ready to become a differentiation rock star!
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