Help students understand the workplace. Reach out to community leaders and arrange for internships. Most corporations and local businesses offer job shadowing and summer jobs. Any real-world, hands-on experience you can provide for your students is invaluable.
Prepare students regardless of level. Whether it's a special education or a regular education program, the school-to-work program is applicable for all levels of functioning. A grocery store clerk and lawyer share similar responsibilities, such as punctuality, work ethics and interpersonal skills. Students need to learn what it means to be on time daily, to maintain honesty no matter the cost and to work diplomatically on a team.
Take continuing education courses. Transition-to-work teachers need to stay current on work-related trends and technology in the workplace. Often business leaders instruct courses, and the teacher can network.
Integrate the workplace into the classroom. Give students more opportunities to lead. A few ideas include managing a school store, designing a project or selling a product. Other community projects include fundraising activities -- car washes or selling candy -- and philanthropic activities such as food or clothing drives. For an English assignment, students can write an essay discussing the process. For math, they can calculate the profit or loss of the business and the benefit of charity write-offs on taxes.