Be The Exception In Special Education

Latest Episodes:

283.Paraprofessionals & Data Collection: The Secret to Getting It All Done Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

You can't be everywhere in your classroom — but your paras can help you capture the data you need to make smart instructional decisions.

In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn:

How to train paras in data collection without overwhelming them.
Simple systems that make data logging easy and consistent.
How to use tools like my Para Handbook to set expectations from day one.

🎯 Links & Resources:

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The Exceptional Collective

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282.Data-Driven Decisions in Special Education: Let the Numbers Lead the Way Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you're teaching on autopilot because you've been working on the same IEP goal for months? Here's the truth: data — not instinct — should guide your next move. In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I'm sharing what it really means to be data-driven, how to track and use academic, behavior, and functional skill data, and when it's time to adjust IEP goals.

I'll also walk you through real classroom examples and show you how built-in progress monitoring sheets (included in my academic bundles) can simplify the process so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on meaningful instruction.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What "data-driven" means in special education beyond compliance
How to collect and interpret academic, behavior, and functional skills data
Practical examples of data tracking you can use right away
When and how to adjust IEP goals for student success
Simple tools to make data collection seamless during instruction

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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281.Writing Progress Notes That Actually Tell a Story (and Save You Time) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Most progress notes are too vague to be useful. But when you write them with clarity and intention, they become powerful tools for instruction and advocacy.

In this episode of Be The Exception, you'll learn:

The 4-part formula for writing progress notes that tell a story.
How to connect your data directly to your instructional decisions.
Real examples of vague vs. meaningful notes.

Plus, I'm sharing my free guide to help you Tackle Progress Reports Like a Pro so you can save time and stress less.

🎯 Links & Resources:

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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280.Making IEP Progress Monitoring Manageable: Tools That Actually Work Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Progress monitoring is one of those things in special education that can either be your best friend or your biggest headache. I've lived both extremes.

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I'm sharing:

Why progress monitoring is more than a compliance task.
The top mistakes I've made (and how you can skip them).
My favorite tools that actually make data collection doable.

You'll hear about my hybrid system that blends the speed of paper with the power of digital, plus real strategies you can start this week to make your data work for you.

If progress monitoring has ever made you feel overwhelmed, this episode will help you cut through the chaos and create a system you can actually stick with.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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279.Time-Saving Templates and Paraprofessional Prep Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Wish your classroom could run more smoothly without you constantly being the glue that holds everything together? In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to templates and systems that save time, reduce stress, and help paraprofessionals thrive.

From data collection and IEP meeting tools to para training binders and daily systems, you'll walk away with practical ways to create an efficient, supportive classroom that works—even when you're pulled in ten directions.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

What templates save the most time in special ed classrooms
How to batch print, prep visuals, and build a monthly system
How to train paraprofessionals clearly and consistently
Why reference binders and task lists help your team succeed
Simple daily/weekly systems that reduce decision fatigue

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

278.Building Effective Classroom Routines in Special Education Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Struggling with chaos during transitions, arrival, or center time? You might have a routine problem—not a student problem. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to teach and reinforce daily classroom routines in a self-contained special education setting.

You'll learn how to build routines that support independence, reduce challenging behaviors, and make your classroom run like clockwork. Plus, we'll talk about how to get paras and support staff on board with consistent systems from Day One.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

How to teach routines using visuals and repeated modeling
The top 3 routines to focus on during the first week of school
How to build structure into high-stress times like arrival & dismissal
Ways to align your team and support staff with the same expectations
How to avoid routine overwhelm and build slowly, one step at a time

Links and Resources

🛍 Visual Routine Tools & Para Training Materials: The Exceptional Collective
📥 Free Classroom Setup Webinar (includes zone/routine checklist)

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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277.Curriculum Planning for Reading, Science & Social Studies in Special Ed Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Trying to juggle reading, science, and social studies in your special ed classroom without losing your mind? I've got you.

In this episode, I'm breaking down simple, strategic ways to plan and implement adapted curriculum across three core subjects—without needing an extra hour in the day. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned SPED pro, these tips will help you streamline your planning, engage your students, and meet IEP goals with confidence.

You'll also get three of my favorite freebies to support your classroom planning right now.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why curriculum planning matters more than ever in special education
How to structure adapted reading lessons with visuals and repetition
What to focus on in science and social studies for self-contained classrooms
Tips to integrate literacy into content areas and reinforce learning throughout the day
Time-saving tools to make curriculum manageable and aligned

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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276.Classroom Setup Tips for Special Educators Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Back-to-school season is officially here—and whether it's your first year or your fifteenth, setting up a functional, organized, and calm classroom can feel like a lot. In this episode, I'm walking you through practical classroom setup tips specifically designed for self-contained special education classrooms.

You'll learn how to create student-centered zones that actually work, set up visuals and systems that support independence, and avoid the common setup traps that lead to chaos instead of calm. I'll also share some of my favorite go-to tools and organization hacks that have saved me hours (and my sanity) every school year.

Plus, don't miss the free Classroom Setup Webinar—packed with examples, walkthroughs, and a printable checklist to help you set up your space without the stress.

🧩 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why classroom setup can make or break your first month back
How to define and structure classroom "zones" that work for your students' needs
What visuals, tools, and furniture actually help (and what to skip)
How to set up your teacher space to avoid burnout midweek
Ways to organize your materials for smooth daily routines
The mindset shift from Pinterest-perfect to functionally fabulous

Links and Resources

🎁 Free Classroom Setup Webinar: Get my exact framework, zone examples, and printable setup checklist.
🛍 Back-to-School Bundle for Special Education: Includes classroom labels, visual schedules, checklists, and more.
📋 Special Education Case Manager Bundle: Organize your caseload, notes, and parent communication all in one place.

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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275.Maximizing Classroom Functionality: Tools & Tips for an Organized Special Education Classroom Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of chaos (hello, Monday mornings!), then this episode is your go-to guide for turning the madness into magic. ✨

In today's episode, we're diving into:

Why functionality is everything in a special education classroom
The must-have tools that simplify your day (yes, visual schedules = lifesavers!)
How to set up efficient zones that make transitions smooth and expectations clear
Simple systems that save you tons of time (spoiler: batch-laminating = genius)
My favorite ready-to-use resources to help you hit the ground running

💡 Whether you're a classroom setup queen or still figuring out where to put the laminator, this episode is packed with easy wins to keep your space organized, your students supported, and your stress levels low.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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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274.Classroom Zones and Organization: Creating Spaces for Success Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Hey there, special educators! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we're diving into one of the most impactful ways to set your classroom up for a smoother, more successful school year—creating purposeful classroom zones. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your current setup, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you organize your space in a way that truly supports your students and your sanity.

🎧 What You'll Learn: ✨ How to design functional and supportive zones within your special education classroom—from sensory areas to quiet corners and everything in between. ✨ Why an organized classroom helps reduce stress and improves learning outcomes for both you and your students. ✨ Practical tips and strategies for using zones effectively, so your classroom runs like a well-oiled machine. ✨ Tools and resources that make classroom organization not only possible—but easy and efficient.

Ready to transform your classroom into a well-zoned space for success? Grab the free resources linked below and start planning today! And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss out on more practical strategies, support, and ideas for your special education classroom. Let us know how your classroom zones are coming along—we'd love to cheer you on!

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

The Exceptional Collective

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!

Leave a Review