Inclusion Strategies That Work! : Research-Based Methods for the Classroom

Whether you are a general education or a special education K–12 teacher, this resource helps you understand and implement strategies for successful classroom inclusion.

Toby J. Karten is an experienced educator who has been immersed in the field of special education for her entire career. As an accomplished author and researcher, she has presented successful staff development to local, national, and international audiences. Toby is a lecturer at Drew and Monmouth University and an adjunct professor and graduate instructor at the Regional Training Center, which is affiliated with Gratz College, College of New Jersey, and Washington College. Being involved in the field of special education for the past three decades has afforded Ms. Karten an opportunity to help many children and adults from elementary through graduate levels around the world. She has been a resource teacher, staff developer, adult educator, and inclusion coach and consultant in New York and New Jersey schools and in many districts nationally and globally. In addition to her roles as an inclusion coach, student and family advocate, professional developer, mentor and resource teacher, Toby designed a graduate course titled Skills and Strategies for Inclusion and dis ABILITY Awareness and has trained other instructors in three states to teach her course. She has been recognized by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education as an exemplary educator, receiving two Teacher of the Year awards. She earned an undergraduate degree in special education from Brooklyn College, a master of science in special education from the College of Staten Island, a supervisory degree from Georgian Court University, and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College. Toby has authored several books and resources about inclusion practices, which are currently used for instruction on many college and university campuses and schools throughout the world.

Ms. Karten is married, has a son, and a few dogs. She enjoys teaching, reading, writing, artwork, and most of all, learning. As the author of this book, she believes that inclusion does not begin and end in the classroom, but is a philosophy that continues throughout life. Hence, inclusion is not only research-based, but life-based as well!