As the 2025–2026 school year begins, the Special Education Foundation extends a warm welcome to all Special School District (SSD) staff and educators. We recognize the energy, dedication, and heart you bring to your classrooms every day—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
During back-to-school orientations, SEF is proud to share the valuable SSD resources, programs, and funding opportunities available to help both teachers and families create the most successful environment possible for students with disabilities.
Special Event for New Teachers – August 1 at Barnes & Noble
To kick off the school year, SEF is looking forward to supporting SSD’s New Teacher Book Shopping Day at Barnes & Noble on Thursday, August 1, from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. During this exclusive shopping event, new SSD teachers will receive $500 to build their classroom libraries and will have exclusive access to shop and connect with peers before the store opens to the public.
In partnership with Barnes & Noble, we’re excited to welcome new educators by sponsoring a special treat from the in-store Starbucks Café during the early morning hours of the event. It’s our small way of saying thank you and welcome as you begin your journey with SSD students and families.
SEF Resources for Teachers
Whether you're just starting or returning with experience, SEF offers a range of supports to help make your classroom more inclusive, creative, and responsive to your students’ needs.
To make it easy for you to access everything SEF offers, we’ve created a dedicated webpage exclusively for SSD staff. Visit
sef-stl.org/how-to-help/welcome-ssd-staff.html for quick access to classroom grant applications, how you can get involved and support SEF’s mission, family referral links, and more!
We’re proud to stand alongside SSD educators in helping every student reach their full potential and SEF is here to support your classrooms and families in need. Here’s to a successful, enriching year ahead. Thank you for the difference you make—every single day.
