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Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special
Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special
The Go-To Podcast for Special Educators who want to reduce their stress and begin to feel success. Host Jennifer Hofferber, an award-winning veteran special education teacher and instructional coach, offers practical wisdom to help handle classroom challenges. Each week, guests share strategies for managing paraprofessionals, paperwork, and diverse student needs. The podcast aims to support special educators in celebrating small victories amidst the chaos.
Episodes
A Midyear Reality Check for Special Education Teachers
January can feel brutal in special education.You’re not starting fresh—you’re restarting the same school year, but this time even more tired. After winter break, many special education teachers return feeling overwhelmed, behind, and questioning whether they’re doing enough.So many teachers find themselves with that heavy feeling of being behind at the midpoint of the school year.This episode is d
December Countdown – 3 Ways to Connect with Your Paras Before the Break
In the final episode of 2025, we are shifting the spotlight from survival mode to connection by focusing on the heart of your classroom—the paraprofessionals who support students and teachers every day. With winter break fast approaching, this episode includes 3 simple but meaningful ways to strengthen team culture, boost morale, and create a sense of appreciation and belonging before you all head
Simple Systems for Stress-Free Progress Monitoring
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we're continuing our December theme of Survive & Thrive. Last week on Episode 289, we kicked things off with a powerful mindset episode that challenged you to let go of perfectionism, release the guilt, and embrace the idea that you are enough. Today, we're focusing on THRIVING through the chaos with actionable strategies.Let’s be r
3 Mindset Shifts to Help You Manage the Holiday Season
Does the month of December fill you with joy or stress? This month is full of excitement, but also full of dysregulation, disrupted routines, extra demands, and emotional overload for everyone involved. In this episode, we’re kicking off the Surviving & Thriving in December series with three powerful mindset shifts that can help you navigate the season with more calm, more clarity, and a whole
Empowering Parents with the Special Education Parent Handbook
In this final episode of our November theme, we’re shifting from simply supporting parents to truly empowering them. Throughout the month, we’ve explored how to build trust with families, welcome them into the IEP process, and navigate tough conversations with respect and collaboration.Today, I’m introducing a game-changing resource you can use to equip parents with the tools they need to feel con
When the IEP Table Gets Tense: 5 Strategies for Hard Conversations
It’s no secret that being a special education teacher requires wearing many hats. One of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) is partnering with families. Even when you're doing everything right, there are times when conversations get hard.In this episode, I'm giving you strategies of what to do when things feel tense, emotional, or uncomfortable during conversations with
How to Get Parents to Know, Like, and Trust You
Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! In this week’s episode, we’re continuing our November theme of Family Ties: Strengthening Parent Partnerships in Special Education—and today, we’re digging into one of the most foundational strategies: helping families know, like, and trust you.As special educators, we’re often the case manager, service provider, and meeting facilitator all rolled i
How to Make IEP Meetings Less Intimidating for Parents
Welcome to November...the month we show gratitude for our parents! In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the special education world: parents. While our job is to serve students, doing that effectively means working with their families, especially during IEP meetings.IEP meetings can be overwhelming for everyone involved, but they’re especially intimid
IEP Alignment in Action: A Case Study Walkthrough
We’ve spent all month talking about what it means to write strong, meaningful, and connected IEPs, and today, we’re putting it all together.In this final episode of the October series, I’m walking you through a real-time case study of a fictional student named Eric, a 5th grader with a Specific Learning Disability in reading and written expression. From the Present Levels of Academic Achievement a
IEP Alignment from an Administrator’s Perspective with Dane Parcel
In today’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re taking our October IEP Alignment Series one step further...this time through the lens of administration.I’m joined by Dane Parcel, my current Special Education Director (and former co-teacher and colleague of many years), to talk about what true IEP alignment looks like from the director’s chair.This episode is packed with real, practica
Aligning Services and Accommodations to Student Needs
In this week’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our October series all about writing IEPs that are clear, meaningful, and truly connected.So far this month, we’ve talked about how your Present Levels (PLAAFPs) act as the blueprint of the IEP and how to use that information to write strong, measurable goals. Now we’re moving one step further — connecting those goals to t
How to Draw a Straight Line from Needs to Goals in an IEP
Hey there, welcome back to Special Education for Beginners!We’re continuing our October series on writing IEPs that are clear, meaningful, and connected. Last week, on Episode 280, we talked about the PLAAFP and how it serves as the blueprint of the IEP. This week, we’re taking the very next step: turning the needs you identified in the Present Levels into strong, measurable goals.Too often, IEPs
The PLAAFP Is the Blueprint of Every Strong IEP
By October, most of us as special educators have found our rhythm. The beginning-of-the-year chaos has calmed (at least a little!), routines are in place, and that’s when IEP season really starts to pick up.This month on Special Education for Beginners, we’re digging into how to make sure your IEPs are more than just compliant documents. They should be clear, meaningful, and connected — with every
How Movement Impacts Behavior: OT Insights for the Classroom
This month on the Special Education for Beginners podcast, we’ve been focused on behavior—what causes it, how to prevent escalation, and how to respond when it happens. But today, we’re flipping the script and talking about what it looks like when things are going well.In this episode, I’m joined by Marga Grey, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of CoordiKids, to discuss what true self
What to Do (and NOT Do) When a Student Escalates
📅 September Behavior Series – Week 3Hey there, and welcome back to the Special Education for Beginners podcast! This is the third episode in our September series all about behavior—because if you’ve worked in special education for more than a week, you know behavior is part of the job. But how we respond makes all the difference.In this episode, I walk you through what to do (and what not to do) w
How the Brain Impacts Behavior & What You Can Do About It
Welcome back to our month-long focus on behavior management in the special education classroom.In this episode, we’re digging into the science behind student behavior with special guest Sam Parmelee. This isn’t your typical conversation about clip charts and consequences. We’re talking about regulation, relationships, and the real reasons behind challenging behavior.We know that classroom behavior
7 Strategies to Prevent Behaviors Proactively
Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! September is such a critical month for teachers. It’s the time when routines are still being built and the habits you create now will either set you up for a calm, structured classroom or leave you constantly putting out “fires” all year long.In this episode, we’re talking about prevention...how to stop behaviors before they start. Of course, we kno
Keeping Perspective in Special Education: A Pep Talk for the New School Year
At the start of a new school year, everything can feel big. The stress, the expectations, the changes...they all seem to hit at once. If you’re in that season of overwhelm, this episode is your much-needed pep talk.In Episode 225, I’m sharing the mindset shifts that have helped me stay grounded, protect my peace, and stop giving energy to things that don’t matter in the long run. Whether you’re al
How to Choose the Right Data Collection System for Your Classroom
Collecting data is one of the most important parts of being a special education teacher, but let’s be honest—it’s also one of the most overwhelming. Between figuring out how to track academic, behavioral, and anecdotal progress, and deciding how often to collect it, most teachers end up feeling stuck without a system that really works.In this episode, I’m breaking down the reality of data collecti
Mastering the Special Education Schedule (One Tetris Piece at a Time)
Scheduling in special education isn’t for the faint of heart! Whether you’re leading a resource room program, a self-contained classroom, or managing inclusion services across multiple grades, you’ve probably felt like you were playing an endless game of Tetris...trying your hardest to make all the pieces fit without leaving gaps or losing a part of your soul.In this episode, I’m breaking down thr
Where Do I Even Start? 3 Priorities for Special Educators This Back-to-School Season
Whether you are ready or not, back-to-school season is knocking on the door!And if you're feeling a little frozen in place, like a deer in the headlights, you're not alone.In this episode, I'm sharing the three high-impact areas you should focus on first to minimize overwhelm and set yourself up for success as a special education teacher. Whether you’re brand new to the field or ret
Kickstart the School Year With Your Paras: 3 Must-Do Actions
Welcome to the final episode of our July Paraprofessional Series! This month, we’ve talked mindset, delegation, communication, and even heard directly from paras themselves. But today’s episode is all about action—because a strong team doesn’t just happen… it’s built. And it starts with YOU.In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 simple but powerful steps you can take to start the school year o
Building Stronger Teams: What Paras Wish Teachers Knew
This week’s episode is a little different because it’s not about us as teachers. It’s about the incredible individuals who support us and our students every single day: our paraprofessionals.Throughout July, we've been focusing into how to build strong para-teacher relationships, and in this episode, we’re hearing directly from the voices that matter most. I asked a group of current and forme
How to Support Struggling Paraprofessionals
This is the 3rd installment of the paraprofessional series for July.In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re tackling one of the toughest (but most necessary) parts of leading a team—what to do when a paraprofessional is disengaged, resistant, or just not meeting expectations.If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, felt frustrated but unsure how to speak up, or simply wished y
Delegating Tasks to Paraprofessionals with Clarity and Respect
Welcome back to our July podcast series all about working with paraprofessionals!Last week in Episode 217, we talked about making the mindset shift from boss to leader. And this week, we’re building on that foundation with one of the most practical skills you can master as a special educator: delegating.If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just easier to do it myself,” or if you’ve assigned a task and th
How to Lead Paraprofessionals with Confidence (Even If You’ve Never Been Trained)
Welcome to a brand new month on the podcast! July is all about working with one of the most essential (and often most misunderstood) members of your classroom team—your paraprofessionals.In this episode, Jennifer kicks off the series by discussing one of the most important shifts you’ll ever make as a special educator: moving from a boss mentality to a leadership mindset. If you’ve ever struggled
Summer PD Opportunity: Professional Growth Doesn't Have to Feel Like Work
In this final episode of our June Summer Strategy series, we’re turning the spotlight back on YOU—your growth, your leadership, and your mindset. Summer isn’t just a time to rest (though that’s definitely important!)—it’s also the perfect opportunity for intentional learning that fills your cup instead of draining it.Whether you want to build stronger systems, lead your para team more effectively,
5 Quick Wins for Back-to-School Prep (That Won’t Steal Your Summer)
Let’s be real — August sneaks up fast. The to-do lists pile up, caseloads change, para schedules shift, and IEP meetings seem to pop up before you’ve even unpacked your room.In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actionable prep tasks you can tackle this summer — without spending hours in your classroom or losing your well-deserved rest. These are quick wins that can be done in short bursts of
The ‘Do Less’ Summer Plan: Give Yourself Permission to Rest and Grow
Summer break is here—but before you fill every day with appointments, activities, and professional development, let’s pause. This episode is all about helping you find a better balance between rest, personal growth, boundaries, and just the right amount of planning.Whether you’re someone who jumps directly into prep mode or someone who needs some solid nap time or lazy mornings (or both!), this ep
Before You Close the Door: Reflecting on The School Year
In this first episode of our Summer Strategies for Special Educators series, we’re taking a pause before the full summer reset begins. Whether your classroom is already packed up or you're heading into Extended School Year, this is the perfect moment to reflect on the past year. What went well? What could have gone better? And what absolutely crashed and burned?Jennifer walks you through a si
Real Talk, Real Tools – Burnout Prevention from the Special Ed Community
This week’s episode wraps up our teacher burnout series with a powerful collection of real-world advice from real special educators. In Episode 212, we hear from 14 special educators from the special education community who share their own burnout prevention strategies—no fluff, no theory, just real talk and real tools.From setting boundaries and saying no, to reclaiming your time, creating meanin
5 Boundaries Every Special Educator Needs to Prevent Burnout
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our focus on teacher burnout—and today’s topic might be the most practical yet.As special educators, we often pour from an empty cup. We overcommit, stay late, skip lunch, and carry the emotional weight of the work home with us. But burnout doesn’t just happen because of how much we’re doing—it happens when we don’t have boundari
How to Retain Great Educators by Addressing Burnout with Dr. Jessica Werner
Hey there, special educators! This week on Special Education for Beginners, we’re continuing our month-long series on teacher burnout with a powerful, honest, and deeply important conversation.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Werner, founder of Northshore Learning and a passionate advocate for teacher wellness. Dr. Werner works with schools across the globe to help retain great educato
How to Stop Teacher Burnout Before It Stops You
Burnout isn’t just being tired—it’s about feeling empty. And most likely, it's something we all face at some point in our career.In this episode, we discuss the emotional, physical, and mental weight of teacher burnout—especially in the world of special education. From the never-ending paperwork to the emotional energy required just to make it through the day, it’s no wonder so many educators
Simple, Effective Tips to Make Inclusion Happen
Surprise! April had five Wednesdays, so you're getting a bonus episode to wrap up our Inclusion Series—and this one is all about action.Throughout the month, we’ve broken down the barriers to inclusion, defined what inclusion really means, explored reverse inclusion, and shared how to build strong inclusive teams. But there’s one piece we haven’t covered yet: how to actually implement inclusi
Breaking Down Barriers to Inclusion
Inclusion sounds amazing in theory—but in practice? It can feel scary, complicated, and even a little overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m addressing into the real-world barriers that can stand in the way of building inclusive classrooms… and sharing what we can do to push past them. From time constraints and unclear roles to limited resources and resistance from staff, we’re talking about the to
5 Steps to Build Inclusive Teams
This third segment in our April inclusion series discusses the crucial aspect of building successful inclusion teams. If you missed the earlier discussions on the core principles of inclusion and reverse inclusion strategies, be sure to check out the previous episodes. Today, we focus on the importance of teamwork in providing inclusive classrooms for our students because true inclusivity cannot b
The Reverse Inclusion Strategy: A Conversation with Jen and Meghan from Moms Managing Behavior
We are continuing the theme of Inclusion during the month of April.In my opinion, inclusion is one of the most important things that we can do for our students, but finding ways to do that can be challenging, especially when your program is self-contained and when your students are with you, the majority, if not all, of the school day. You're going to have to get creative in finding those opp
Beyond the Buzzword: 5 Inclusive Practices Special Educators Should Promote
Inclusion is a word we hear constantly—in IEP meetings, PD sessions, and school mission statements. But for many special educators, inclusion still feels more like a buzzword than a practical reality.In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, I discuss what inclusion really means—and why it’s more than just placing a student in a general education seat. I share my personal perspective on
A Guide to Implementing Assistive Technology Practices
In this final installment of our series on assistive technology (AT), I want to provide you with a way to effectively plan and implement AT within your IEPs. This episode provides educators with a comprehensive toolkit designed to ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed and gain independence in their learning environments.What You'll Learn:How to effectively integrate ass
How IEP Teams Can Build Sustaining Assistive Technology Systems
Welcome to this episode of Special Education for Beginners, where we are continuing the discussion on assistive technology in special education. As we continue this series, today's episode focuses on how to build sustainable systems that endure and evolve with our educational needs and changes. Joining us is Paige Buckingham, the Assistive Technology Lead Facilitator for Kansas Infinitec, who
Beyond the Basics: Reimagining Assistive Tech with Robokind
Today we're going beyond the basics of Assistive Technology and exploring its expansive potential to transform educational experiences for students with special needs. Joining us today is Brian, CEO of RoboKind, who brings a wealth of experience with over 15 years in educational technology leadership. We'll be discussing:The challenges teachers face with understanding and implementing AT
Basics of Assistive Technology
🎉Today we're celebrating a big milestone—it's our 200th episode! 🎉This March, we're exploring the important, but sometimes confusing, topic of Assistive Technology in education. Today we cover the basics of assistive technology—what it is, why it can seem confusing, who’s responsible for it and how we can better address it in our IEPs.Listen in as we:Breakdown the definition of AT t
7 Easy-to-Implement Strategies for Your Dual Language Learners
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re wrapping up our ESL series with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for supporting Dual Language Learners (DLLs) who also have IEPs.Throughout February, we’ve explored the challenges and best practices for working with the multilingual learners on our caseloads. This week, I’m sharing 7 actionable strategies to help your students access
Enhancing Learning Environments for Dual Identified Students: A Conversation with Katherine Hamilton
This month on Special Education for Beginners we are discussing the essentials of supporting multilingual learners in special education settings. Today, we are joined by Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to discuss creating inclusive environments that not only meet the educational needs of multilingual students but also celebrate their diverse cultural identities
How to Support English Language Learners in Special Education
Welcome to a new month here at Special Education for Beginners! All February long we will be discussing a topic that many special educators encounter but don’t always feel fully prepared to support—English Language Learners.In this introductory episode, we’re breaking down the basics of English as a Second Language (ESL) and how it intersects with special education. Many special educators encounte
Student Led IEPs in Action: A Special Educator's Experience
The theme for January 2025 has been all about learning how to implement student-led IEPs. To wrap up this series of episodes, I'm joined by a teacher who works within my district and who has been implementing student-led IEPs for the last 2 years. Listen in as Bristol Bale and I discuss the real-life application of this transformative practice. Key Discussion Points:Why Student-Led IEPs?Brist
4 Steps Toward Implementing Student-Led IEP Meetings
Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! Over the last two episodes, we’ve been diving into the important topic of student-led Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). In the first episode, we explored what student-led IEPs are, who they’re for, and why they matter. Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Daniel Biegun, who shared some incredible insights about the life skills
Empowering Students Through Student-Led IEPs: Insights with Dr. Daniel Biegun
Last week, we kicked off our first theme of the year with a broad look at student-led IEPs. We discussed who student-led IEPs are for and provided a a brief overview of what the process looks like before, during, and after the meeting. If you missed episode 193, go back and catch up...it’s a great foundation for today’s discussion, so be sure to check it out! This week, I’m excited to continue the
An Introduction to Student-Led IEP Meetings
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! As we start the new year, it's the perfect time to explore new and empowering approaches to special education. This episode unpacks the essentials of Student-Led IEPs, their importance, and how they vary across different educational stages. Join us as we outline actionable strategies for implementing these meetings and discuss the tremendous impact they c
15 Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas for Your Paras This Holiday Season
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer shares 15 gift ideas to help you show appreciation to your paraprofessionals and support staff this holiday season. From completely free options to more personalized gifts, this episode has something for every budget. Tune in to discover thoughtful and practical ways to make your team feel valued and supported.What You’ll Learn in This E
Ask Us Anything Part 12: A Rapid-Fire Farewell with Paul
Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! Today’s episode is a special one as we close out our beloved "Ask Us Anything" series with my incredible co-host, Paul. After two amazing years of working together, including 11 months of answering your burning questions about special education, Paul and I are wrapping up this chapter of the podcast.We’ve tackled everything from scheduling
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 3-Sharing Results with Confidence
In the final part of our three-part series on administering achievement tests, we’re focusing on how to present results confidently in IEP meetings. Sharing test results can feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can turn these meetings into meaningful, collaborative discussions.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to present your report as a conversation rather than simply reading the
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 2-Writing the Report
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we continue our three-part series on administering achievement tests by focusing on how to write professional, comprehensive reports based on the data you’ve collected. Writing a well-organized report isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical step in the evaluation process that guides decision-making and sets the foundation for collaboration with yo
Administer Achievement Tests with Success: Part 1-Preparation
In this episode, we kick off a 3-part series on how to administer, report on and present achievement tests professionally.Today, we focus on setting up for test administration. I’ll walk you through the specific steps to create a structured, distraction-free environment that allows students to focus and perform at their best. I’ll also share practical advice on monitoring student behavior during t
Ask Us Anything Part 11: Challenging Behaviors + Assistive Technology
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners Jennifer is joined by her co-host Paul to discuss the essential topics of de-escalation in the special education classroom and incorporating assistive technology into IEPs. Learn about how to handle extreme challenges educators face when students become overwhelmed and practical de-escalation strategies that you can implement today. "How do y
Streamline Paperwork Using Templates with Caroline Koehler
In this episode, Caroline Koehler from Celavora Education and Sped Up Paperwork joins me to discuss the ever-pressing issue of paperwork in special education. Listen in as we share effective strategies and tools designed to help special educators manage your documentation more efficiently. This discussion is essential for anyone looking to reduce the administrative burden and focus more on teachin
Handling the Unexpected: Emily's Story of Embracing Challenges with a Positive Mindset
In today’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, I share an inspiring conversation I recently had with a new special education teacher, Emily, who demonstrated an incredible capacity for resilience and optimism in the face of a challenging situation. When Emily was unexpectedly assigned a new student with complex needs, she chose to embrace the challenge with positivity and grace rather than
Ask Us Anything Part 10: Difficult Parents + Progress Monitoring
On today's segment of Ask Us Anything with my co-host, Paul Hubbard we answer two common challenges faced by special education teachers: handling difficult parents and figuring out how often to progress monitor students.How do you deal with difficult parents?Jennifer and Paul both emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with parents and maintaining professionalism during tou
3 Strategies to Manage Conflicts More Effectively
As special educators, we often find ourselves navigating challenging interactions. Whether with colleagues, parents, or administrators, conflict is bound to rear its ugly head at some point. In this episode, we explore 3 practical strategies to handle these situations constructively, fostering an environment of collaboration and respect.Discussion:Embrace Conflict as an Opportunity:Understand conf
Solving the IEP Mystery: How to Connect the Dots for Student Success
Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! In today’s episode, Jennifer draws a fun and insightful parallel between writing an Individualized Education Plan and solving a detective case. Just like detectives use boards with pushpins and strings to connect clues and evidence, special education teachers need to ensure that every part of an IEP is linked seamlessly to the next. From present lev
Practical Tips to Boost Parent Collaboration
Today we're talking about a crucial element that can really make or break the success of our students—supporting their parents. These parents are juggling so much—all while trying to figure out how to best support their child at home. In this episode, I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to foster better relationships with your parents. Plus, I’ll introduce a powerful resource I’ve created t
Ask Us Anything: Part 9: Scheduling Tips & Paras Not Following Their Schedule
Welcome back, special educators! Are you feeling the pressure of scheduling chaos as the school year kicks off? Or perhaps you're facing challenges with paraprofessionals not following their schedules? We've got you covered in this Ask Us Anything episode! In this episode, my co-host, Paul Hubbard, and I dive into two common back-to-school struggles:Mastering the Art of Scheduling in Spe
5 Powerful Mindset Shifts for Special Education Teachers
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer discusses the vital role of mindset in the life of a special education teacher. This isn’t just another pep talk about staying positive—Jennifer tackles the real, sometimes overwhelming challenges that come with the job and shares how adopting the right mindset can make all the difference. From embracing the new school year as a fresh st
Back to School Tips for Special Educators with Angela Rivas
Welcome back to another episode of Special Education for Beginners. As we start thinking about the back-to-school season, I thought it would be good to get our mindset right and give you some strategies to get you started off on the right foot! Today’s guest is Angela Rivas from The Sped Tech Teacher and she is here to share some valuable advice to help you thrive in your role as a special educato
12 Things to Know Before Setting Up an Autism Classroom with S.B. Linton
Today we're focusing on setting up the perfect autism classroom and we're joined by SB Linton, an experienced autism educational specialist, who will share invaluable insights and practical steps to help you create a supportive and efficient learning environment.Listen in as we explore the 12 things you need to know before setting up an autism classroom.You need to know about autismKnow
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 8- Elements and Organizational Tools for Special Education Classrooms
Welcome to the August segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.Today's Questions:Maggie from Michigan: "What elements do I need to make sure
How to Start the Day with a Morning Routine with Nikki Robertson
Today, we are diving into a critical topic that often goes unspoken: setting the stage for a successful school day right from the start. Mornings can be particularly challenging for many students, especially those who arrive at school unregulated due to various external factors such as tough mornings at home, stressful commutes, or sibling conflicts. As educators, it is our duty to create positive
How to Effectively Support and Collaborate with our Paraprofessionals with Jenn Adams
Today, we are thrilled to have Jenn Adams return to the show. In this episode, Jen and I focus to one of my favorite topics: working effectively with paraprofessionals. We dive deep into strategies for building strong teams, defining roles clearly, and ensuring every team member is on the same page to maximize classroom dynamics and student success.Key Discussion Points:Understanding Paraprofessio
Progress Monitoring Methods & Strategies
Today's episode is all about progress monitoring—a foundational element in special education that ensures each student's unique educational journey is effectively supported. Whether you're new to this field or looking to refine your current strategies, understanding how to implement a solid progress monitoring system is crucial. Talking Points:Understanding Progress MonitoringDefini
Easy Behavior Strategies with Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications
Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Special Education for Beginners"! Today, we're thrilled to host Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications. After much anticipation since 2021, we've finally connected to explore her extensive experience in behavior management within special education. Abby will share her revolutionary behavior roadmap and practical tips for effective
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 7- Recommended Materials + Optimizing Paras
Welcome to the July segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.Today's Questions:Katie from Florida: "I am a brand new teacher starting this f
Rethinking Behavior: Adopt a Skill Not Will Mindset with Jenny Walmsley
Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, where we are joined once again by Jenny Walmsley, a seasoned special education teacher turned behavior coach. With her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and as the founder of Braving BSEL, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting the behavioral, social, and emotional learning of both students and educators. In toda
Organize Your Way to Special Education Success with a Caseload Planner
In today's episode, Jennifer shares her personal journey with organization (or lack there of) and the challenges she faced throughout her career, and introduces a transformative tool for special educators—the Special Education Caseload and IEP Planner.Key Points:The Importance of Organization:Jennifer discusses the overwhelming nature of a special educator's daily tasks, from writing IEP
How to Improve the PLAAFP Statements in Your IEPs
If "No Concerns" is still making its way into your IEP sections as a standalone remark, this episode is your call to action to enhance your PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance) writing practices.The PLAAFP section is not just the foundation of the IEP; it’s the blueprint that guides every aspect of a student's educational plan. In this episode (recap of epi
Welcome to Special Education for Beginners!
Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Are you challenged by disruptive classroom behaviors or found yourself scouring the internet searching for how to meet the diverse needs of each student, how to progress monitor , how to write IEP goals and on and on? Are you
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 6- Interview Questions + Progress Monitoring
Welcome to 6th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask.Today's questions:Yesenia asks “When applying, what interview questions should I expect and what should I ask?"From Mark..."I don't understand how to progress monitor and keep up with all that d
Maximizing Summer: 3 Strategies for Special Education Teacher Self-Care
As we approach the end of May, you may be already enjoying your summer break or eagerly counting the days until you can. This episode is dedicated to the importance of summer breaks for special education teachers, offering a time for rejuvenation and reflection after a year filled with unique challenges and triumphs.What's Included:The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial per
Effective Co-Planning in Special and General Education
Today's guest is Kristen Andujar from the Special Education Clubhouse and is here to discuss the importance of collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers. When both educators work together, they can share insights, resources, and strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. Effective teamwork not only enhances the educational experience, but it a
Help Your Paraprofessionals Feel Confident and Competent
Have you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals?No? Me neither!Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked. In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and mo
