Be The Exception In Special Education

Latest Episodes:

153.How to Build a Positive Climate in Your Classroom Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

Classroom climates are based on the main moods, attitudes and standards within the room. It is all about how you and your students feel when you are in there working together and learning. Obviously we all want this environment to be a positive one. But, are there steps that we can take to help that happen?

In this week's episode I am chatting with Kelsey from Included in SPED about building a positive climate in your classroom. She is sharing some amazing tips that she has learned through the years both as a classroom teacher and from a more administrative role.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of having time together as a team away from your students.
How you set the tone for your classroom and establish what is and what is not ok.
That service providers, no matter their position, are educators in that classroom. They are part of the team and they are important.
The importance of giving yourself time to reset.

Links and Resources

FREEBIE-Prioritizing Fun and Teamwork in SPED

March Bundle of Special Education Activities

Connect with Kelsey

Included in SPED Instagram

Included in SPED TpT Store

Connect with Dawn

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152.Key Strategies for Providing Instruction that Meets Your Students' Needs Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

As a special education teacher, one of your most important responsibilities is to differentiate instruction and adapt curriculum to meet the unique needs of your students with disabilities. Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach that involves adjusting instruction to meet the diverse needs of students while adapting curriculum is the process of modifying or altering curriculum materials to make them more accessible to students with disabilities.

In this week's episode I am sharing the importance of differentiated instruction and adapting curriculum to meet the unique needs of our students with disabilities. I am sharing strategies and best practices for providing instruction that is tailored to each student's needs and abilities, as well as techniques for modifying curriculum materials to make them more accessible to our students.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of speech to text software.
How to use assistive technology devices.
How to collaborate with the entire team.
About the Universal Design for Learning.

Links and Resources

Special Ed Socials Facebook Page

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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151.5 Action Steps for Helping Your Students Love to Read! Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Teaching a student to read, especially when they have a learning disability, can be incredibly challenging. However, we know that being able to read is one of the most important skills our students need. It is literally a game changer for every other subject. So, as special educators, we want to be the best teachers of reading that we can be. But where do we start? What steps should we take to get them where we want them to be?

In this week's episode I am chatting with Malia from Playdough to Plato about the science of learning to read. She has done all the research and is getting ready to share everything in her new book, The Science of Reading and Action. She is giving us 5 action steps for helping your students love to read and a great freebie.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of unlearning bad habits and moving forward in a better way.
How and when to assess your students on their reading skills.
Why phonological awareness is the most important thing you can teach.
About orthographic mapping…what it is and how to use it.

Links and Resources

Malia's FREE Phonological Awareness Gift

March Bundle for Special Educators

Connect with Malia from Playdough to Plato

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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150.Strategies for Better Collaboration with the Support Team Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

As a special educator you are the "team leader" for your student's education. However, you are not alone in supporting their learning and development. There are many other educators, therapists and support staff who can help you meet the needs of your students. Collaborating with the support team can be a powerful way to ensure that your students receive the support they need to be successful.

In the week's episode I am sharing some strategies for better collaboration with the support team.

The first step is to identify the team members.
You need a communication plan so that everyone is always on the same page. Having team meetings is a great way to do this.
Seek out professional development that makes sense for special educators.
Ask others for feedback and input. You should do this not only for your students, but for yourself also as an educator. We all have areas of improvement.
Focus on building positive relationships with each team member.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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149.What You Need to Know About Neurodiversity Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

Neurodiversity is the word used to explain the unique and different ways that someone's brain functions. If someone is neurodivergent their brain will work differently than the average person. This can manifest in many ways like ADHD, Dyslexia and even Tourette's Syndrome. As teachers, we need to not only understand neurodiversity, but also be able to aid our students in reaching success.

In this week's episode I am chatting with Laine from Transition Abilities about what you need to be about neurodiversity. As someone who is neurodivergent, Laine has a unique perspective about the ways you can make a difference for your students.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of understanding ableism and ways to change your thinking.
How to help your students understand their unique needs and not feel badly about their disability.
How to be more aware of sensory differences.
About ways you can help your students with neurodiversity be successful.

Links and Resources

Laine's IEP Vision Goal Freebie

Connect with Perry LaRoque

Transition Abilities TpT Store

Transition Abilities Facebook

Transition Abilities Instagram

Transition Abilities Website

Transition Abilities YouTube

Transition Abilities Email List for Freebies

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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148.How to Write Better (More Effective) IEPs Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

As special educators, we have to write IEPs, there is no way around it. And while it can be challenging, this is also one of the most important things that we do for our students. This "pile" of paperwork leads the entire process for each student. So how do we make it manageable?

In this week's episode, I am sharing 6 tips to help you feel in control and ready to tackle this part of your job. It doesn't matter if you have written hundreds of IEPs or are just getting started, these ideas will help. I'm even including a special freebie as a blueprint for writing the most effective IEPs possible.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of starting early!
How to use a spreadsheet as a checklist for each student.
How to use SMART goals in the IEP.
About staying organized with google folders.

Links and Resources IEP Blueprint Freebie Episode 146 Case Manager Bundle Etsy Stickers How to Write Effective IEP Goals Blog

Connect with Dawn

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147.How to Have a Successful Co-Teaching Experience Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

Co-teaching in a special education setting is a collaborative approach to teaching where a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to plan and instruct a class that includes students with disabilities. This typically takes place in the general education classroom with regular peers. It can be very successful for students with disabilities, but it can also be very challenging for the teachers who are involved.

In this week's episode I am chatting with Alissa from Hinzspire You about tips and strategies to make the co-teaching relationship a successful one for both you and your students.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of finding time to truly collaborate with your co-teacher.
How to have an equal mindset between the teachers.
How to build rapport with your co-teacher.
About making communication the number one priority.

Links and Resources

Join Alissa's Email List for Weekly Tips and Ideas

Connect with Alissa

Co-Teaching Freebie

Hinzspire You Instagram

Hinzspire You Facebook

Hinzspire You TikTok

Hinzspire You Pinterest

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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146.Meeting the Unique Needs of All Students with Disabilities Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

When you work in a special education classroom you know that you are going to be dealing with varying types of disabilities. There is definitely not a cookie cutter scenario when it comes to our students. We help our students with physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral disabilities. As the teacher, we need to be prepared to meet the unique needs of each of our students.

So, where do you start? How do you cover it all? How do you even know what assistance is needed? In this week's episode I'm sharing some ideas that will answer these questions and more so that you can feel more prepared when you step into the classroom next.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of creating a strong IEP for your students.
How to evaluate the student's strengths, needs and abilities.
How to gather information from the entire team for the IEP.
About addressing all areas of need for the student, not just the primary.

Links and Resources

Valentine's Bundle

Valentine's Teacher Tees

Connect with Dawn

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145.Navigating the Daily Hurdles of a Sped Teacher Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

As a special educator, we know that there are all kinds of hurdles and roadblocks that we have to overcome on a daily basis. Things like schedule changes, student meltdowns and unexpected meetings are always lurking close by.

In this week's episode I am chatting with Rachelle Sikes from Sikes Spedtacular Students about ways that you can prepare for the unexpected. These are easy to do things that will leave you feeling more in charge of the constant changes that occur.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of asking for help. No one can do this job alone.
How to convince yourself that you don't have to be perfect.
How to plan ahead so you are never behind.
About making friends with the right people…the janitor, the secretary and the tech person.

Links and Resources

Special Education Teacher Stickers

Connect with Perry LaRoque

Rachelle's Instagram

Rachelle's Facebook

Rachelle's TpT Store

Rachelle's Email

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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144.Unleashing the Power of Assistive Technology for Student Learning and Independence Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

Assistive technology is any device or software that is used to enhance the abilities of individuals with disabilities. It can range from simple tools like pencil grips and adapted scissors, to more complex devices like electronic communication devices or speech-to-text software. Knowing what tools are available and what works best for your students is a huge plus. Sometimes it takes some trial and error, but once you get it right, you will see growth in your students.

In this week's episode I am sharing some different types of assistive technology and some key things to consider when choosing for your students.

In this episode you will learn: