Be The Exception In Special Education

Latest Episodes:

253.How to Use Behavior Data to Drive Interventions Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis dives deep into the often intimidating world of behavior data. She explains why it's so critical, how to collect it, and most importantly, how to use it to inform effective interventions. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by student behavior, this episode will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn things around in your classroom.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to collect behavior data with simple tools like frequency charts and behavior logs
How to analyze behavior data to identify patterns and triggers
Effective interventions you can implement based on the data you collect
Why behavior data is essential to track for lasting behavioral change

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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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

252.Teaching Emotional Awareness: Simple SEL Activities for Special Ed Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares simple and effective SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities that every special education teacher can implement to help students build emotional awareness. These activities not only help students regulate their emotions but also contribute to their social and academic success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why emotional awareness is essential in the special education classroom
How Emotion Charades can help students recognize and express emotions
The power of Feelings Check-Ins to support emotional regulation
How to use Breathing Exercises to calm overwhelmed students
Tips for integrating emotional awareness into daily routines

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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251.Positive Behavior Supports That Actually Work Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we're diving into one of the most critical areas of teaching—Positive Behavior Supports (PBS). As special education teachers, we know that behavior challenges can sometimes feel like mountains to climb. But what if I told you there are strategies that can help you turn things around, even on the toughest days? In this episode, I'll share proven, real-world strategies for positive behavior supports that will not only help you manage behavior but also create an environment where your students can thrive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) are crucial for a successful classroom
How to use token economies to reinforce positive behavior
The magic of visual supports in setting clear expectations
The power of consistent routines in creating stability and reducing stress

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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250. Consistency Is Key: Behavior Management Tips That Will Change Your Special Education Classroom Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I chat with Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications about behavior management strategies that actually work in special education classrooms. Abby shares her tried-and-tested techniques, including how to prioritize behavior interventions, the most overlooked factor in addressing challenging behaviors, and how to build lasting relationships with your students. We also talk about the importance of consistency, family involvement, and practical tools to track student behavior and progress.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to prioritize behavior management strategies in your classroom
Why relationship-building is crucial in managing difficult behaviors
Tips for maintaining consistency with multiple students
The key components of an effective behavior plan
Tools and resources that help track behavior patterns and monitor progress

Links and Resources

Connect with Abby

Connect with Dawn

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249.Mastering IEP Service Pages + Fun Winter Activities for Special Education Teachers Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're tackling two key topics: how to write effective and compliant IEP service pages, and creative ways to bring winter-themed learning into your special education classroom. From tips on avoiding common IEP mistakes to fun Groundhog Day activities, this episode is packed with tools and strategies to support you and your students this season.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to write clear and actionable services pages in IEPs.
Common mistakes to avoid when detailing services.
Engaging winter activities to support IEP goals.
Creative ways to celebrate Groundhog Day in the classroom.

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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248.IEP Writing Mastery: Simplify the Process with Templates That Work Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

If IEP writing feels like an uphill battle, this episode is here to help. We're breaking down how to use easy-to-follow templates to save time, stay organized, and write impactful IEPs for your students. Tune in to learn practical tips, discover helpful tools, and feel more confident heading into your next IEP meeting.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why templates are a game-changer for IEP writing.
Key features of effective IEP templates.
Step-by-step tips for using templates to simplify the process.
Tools and resources to make your IEP season stress-free.

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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247.Best Strategies for Writing IEP Goals for Special Education Teachers Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of special education: writing IEP goals. Learn actionable strategies, discover helpful tools, and avoid common mistakes as you craft meaningful and measurable goals for your students.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The four key elements of a strong IEP goal.
Practical strategies to simplify goal writing.
Tools and templates to save time and stay organized.
Common pitfalls to avoid in the IEP writing process.

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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246.5 Steps to Avoid Self-Sabotage During IEP Season Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we chat with Liz Sherman, the founder of Inclusion Disco, about avoiding self-sabotage during progress report season, improving collaboration with general education teachers, and staying student-focused through the chaos of data collection. Liz shares her insights on how to shift your mindset, stay positive, and communicate effectively with colleagues. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of progress reports, this episode is full of practical strategies to help you navigate this busy season with a renewed perspective.

In this episode you will learn:

How to avoid self-sabotage during progress report season
Strategies for improving collaboration between special education and general education teams
Tips for staying positive and student-focused in the face of overwhelming paperwork
How to take care of yourself while managing the demands of the school year

Links and Resources

Simple IEP Calendar Digital Notebook of Student Data Student Data Collection Spreadsheet

Connect with Liz of Inclusion Disco

Instagram Facebook Threads Tik Tok Website

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!

Leave a Review

245.New Year, New Semester: A Special Ed Teacher's Guide to Reigniting Your Classroom Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

As we step into January 2024, we understand that returning to the classroom after a winter break can be both exciting and overwhelming. In today's episode, we're diving into 7 essential tips to help you refresh your routines, reconnect with your students, and ensure the new semester starts on the right foot. Whether it's re-establishing classroom expectations, prioritizing self-care, or focusing on social and emotional learning, we've got you covered with actionable strategies that will make your second semester a success. So grab a cup of coffee, and let's turn the page together!

In this episode you will learn:

How to refresh classroom routines and get your students back on track
The importance of setting clear expectations and goals for the new semester
Ways to reconnect with students and rebuild your classroom community
Why family check-ins are essential for student success
How to review and adjust IEP goals for optimal progress
The power of social and emotional learning in building a strong classroom foundation
Simple strategies for reteaching expectations and managing behavior
How to use visuals to enhance student engagement and understanding

Tune in for these tips and more to set your classroom up for success in 2024!

Links and Resources

Join the Exceptional Collective to make 2025 the easiest year yet!

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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244. A Year in Review: Best of 'Be The Exception in Special Education' 2024 Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

Join me as we wrap up 2024 and reflect on the biggest milestones of the year, both personally and professionally. From hitting 100K podcast downloads and seeing myself featured in Times Square to serving hundreds of special education teachers, this year has been filled with growth, learning, and a few surprises. Plus, get a sneak peek at what's coming in 2025, including new resources, a fresh community platform, and much more! Let's take a moment to celebrate YOU and everything we've accomplished together.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Business highlights of the year, including new launches and an exciting Times Square ad
Personal wins and adventures—beach trips, family memories, and a Kindle Paperwhite obsession!
A sneak peek at what 2025 has in store, including fresh resources and a new community platform
Fun behind-the-scenes stats: coffee, pencils, and Zoom calls

Links mentioned in the episode:

Free Christmas Adapted Book: Download Here
Winter Bundle: Shop Now
Join The Exceptional Collective: Join Here

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