How to Participate
Smooth Sailing is a professional development program aimed at helping general education teachers in K through 2nd grade enhance their skills for supporting autistic students. The program has been developed in collaboration with teachers to prioritize its feasibility and relevance in the classroom. The program takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach and focuses on strategies for developing positive student-teacher relationships and improving students’ academic engagement.
Smooth Sailing is enrolling teachers from California and Massachusetts schools for the 2024-2025 school year!
Administrators
This program increases teacher knowledge and skills for supporting students on the spectrum in their classroom. Smooth Sailing was developed in partnership with teachers to address the need for autism-focused training in fostering the success of their students on the autism spectrum. Teachers receive $300 and PDPs or CEs.
Teachers
Participation involves review of self-paced, online modules and individualized coaching sessions (total time: 12 hours) reviewing strategies to build strong relationships with students on the spectrum. With support from a coach, teachers will apply these strategies in their classrooms. Teachers will complete research surveys and receive $300 and PDPs/CEs.
Parents
Your child’s teacher will enhance their knowledge of autism and hone strategies for building strong relationships with students on the spectrum. Each teacher will identify one student to practice these strategies. You’ll have the chance to work closely with the teacher as they foster a strong connection with your child.
Ready to learn more about Smooth Sailing?
Follow this link to fill out a Screening Survey to learn more about our upcoming 2024-2025 PD program for K, 1st, and 2nd grade teachers.
Additionally, please sign up for our mailing list below to learn about future participation opportunities.
You may also email us with any questions.
You may reach our coordinator, Ellen ParryLuff, for any questions about this program, at smoothsailingstudy@gmail.com.
You can also reach our program directors, including Abbey Eisenhower at UMass Boston (abbey.eisenhower@umb.edu) and Jan Blacher at UC Riverside (jan.blacher@ucr.edu).