Where in the World is Ms. Gilbert?

As a special education teacher I can be anywhere in my building. (I am currently in a building with 3 floors and at any given time I could be in one of nine classrooms, the office, copy room, or storage closet.) Since  putting a tracker on my ID badge was not an option, I needed something to let my students and paraprofessionals know where I was if they needed to find me.  

This board helps them know where I am if I am not in my room. This is especially helpful if I have students come in to take a test or for an intervention time and I am not there. Instead of sitting and doing nothing they look at the board and can go find me. With 3 schedules to juggle I sometimes forget about where I need to be, or am late from another class. 

With this system in place students can easily find me or know to be patient because I will be right back (copy room or office for example). Since many of my students are low readers, there are room numbers and pictures of the content the teacher teaches to help those students find me (disclaimer: I am not an art teacher). One of my dyslexic students has looked at the room numbers and pictures to deduce what room I am in and has successfully found me using this strategy. I have helper students who will remind me and hold me accountable to changing the magnet if we are leaving or entering the room. At least this system lets everyone know where I am... as long as I remember to use it! 😀