How O&M Specialists Can Support Their Special Education Teachers with Braelan Martin

Collaboration is a key element in the success of any student, especially those with visual impairments or other disabilities. As Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists, we work closely with special education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to provide holistic support. But how can we make our teamwork even more effective, especially in light of the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic?

In this week’s podcast, we invited Braelan Martin, a K-2 special education teacher who specializes in supporting students with severe disabilities, to share her insights. Braelan’s approach to teaching and collaboration offers invaluable lessons on how we, as O&M specialists, can better support our students' growth by fostering stronger partnerships with the educators we work with.

Collaboration: The Key to Success

Braelan emphasizes that collaboration is not just about sharing resources but about truly listening to each other’s expertise. As teachers and specialists, we all have areas of focus—whether it's behavior, academic support, or adaptive techniques for mobility. The magic happens when we come together and combine our knowledge to serve the needs of the students we are all invested in.

For Braelan, one of the most impactful ways to collaborate is by proactively reaching out to colleagues. When she knows an O&M specialist is coming to work with her students, she doesn’t wait until the last minute. She sends them emails in advance, outlining what help she needs. Whether it's modifying lesson plans, working through a particular challenge, or helping a student practice their mobility skills, communication is key.

This proactive communication benefits not only the specialists but also the students. By giving the O&M specialists and other team members a clear picture of what’s needed, Braelan creates a partnership that benefits everyone, especially the students.

Supporting Each Other's Expertise

One of the most vital things that Braelan points out is the importance of recognizing that no one person can do it all. She talks about how teachers, including herself, have areas of expertise but also areas where they need support. As special education teachers, we don’t expect O&M specialists to know everything about reading instruction, just as O&M specialists don’t expect teachers to be experts on mobility.

The beauty of teamwork lies in sharing these different areas of expertise. Braelan illustrates this through a story where an O&M specialist helped her solve a seemingly simple but critical problem: providing appropriate lighting for students with visual impairments. When Braelan faced a challenge in her classroom—keeping the lights off to accommodate a paraprofessional's migraine, while also meeting the needs of students with severe vision impairments—she turned to the O&M specialist for help.

Instead of feeling embarrassed for not thinking of a solution herself, Braelan reached out, and the O&M specialist responded with a simple but effective solution: portable lamps that could be directed onto the students’ desks. This small adjustment made a huge difference in her students’ ability to engage with their lessons, demonstrating the power of collaboration and how sometimes, the best solutions come from unexpected places.

Building a Positive Culture

Braelan also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive culture when working with other educators and specialists. Collaboration thrives in an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. When staff members work in a culture of trust and open communication, they are more likely to share ideas, ask for help, and give feedback in a constructive way.

A crucial part of this is the mutual understanding that everyone is working toward the same goal—helping students succeed. As Braelan puts it, “It’s the best when everybody can come together in a meeting and we’re talking about a kid and case managing this whole thing out, trying to solve some problems, and everybody can sprinkle in their knowledge.” This kind of collaborative mindset ensures that students receive the most well-rounded and personalized support possible.

Taking a Step Forward

Braelan’s final tip for educators is a simple yet profound one: listen first and read the room. This doesn’t just apply to students; it applies to all our professional relationships as well. As Braelan suggests, when we assume the best intentions of our colleagues and listen actively, we create an atmosphere where everyone can share their expertise and work together effectively.

This practice of listening first, rather than jumping to conclusions or solutions, fosters a more thoughtful and strategic approach to problem-solving. Whether we’re working with challenging students or collaborating with colleagues, this one step forward can make a significant difference.

Beyond the Classroom: Braelan’s Resources for Educators

Braelan’s commitment to improving education doesn’t stop at her classroom. She shares her knowledge and resources with fellow educators through her YouTube videos and Teachers Pay Teachers store. Her content focuses on practical tips for classroom management, organization, and supporting diverse learners, including those with visual impairments. She also shares free resources like IEP data generators and lesson plans, which can be incredibly helpful for O&M specialists, TVIs, and special education teachers alike.

If you’re looking to improve your practice and deepen your understanding of special education, Braelan’s platforms are a great place to start. She believes in making resources accessible and practical, so all educators can benefit from her insights, whether you’re looking for ways to enhance your lessons, collaborate better with your team, or stay organized in the classroom.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.