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Episode 185:
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 —.....READ MORE
Episode 184:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 10- Difficult + Progress Monitoring
In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, Jennifer and Paul provide practical strategies for managing tough conversations with parents and offer tips for finding a balance with progress monitoring by recommending.... —.....READ MORE
Episode 183:
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 .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 182:
Solving the IEP Mystery: How to Connect the Dots for Student Success
Today's episode draws a fun and insightful parallel between writing an Individualized Education Plan and solving a detective case. Just like detectives .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 181:
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. .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 180:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 9-Scheduling Tips & Paras Not Following Their Schedule
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! .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 179:
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..... —.....READ MORE
Episode 178:
Back to School Tips for Special Educators with Angela Rivas
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!..... —.....READ MORE
Episode 177:
12 Things to Know Before Setting Up an Autism Classroom
Today we're focusing on setting up the perfect autism classroom. S.B. Linton is here to share invaluable insights and practical steps to help you create a supportive and efficient learning environment..... —.....READ MORE
Episode 176:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 8- Elements and Organizational Tools for Back to School
This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of starting a school year as a special educator. .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 175:
How to Start the Day with a Morning Routine with Nikki Robertson
This episode discusses 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 .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 174:
How to Effectively Support and Collaborate with our Paraprofessionals
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 .... —.....READ MORE
Episode 173:
Effective Progress Monitoring Methods and 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. —.....READ MORE
Episode 172:
Easy Behavior Strategies with Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications
Today, we're thrilled to host Abby from Mrs. Mo'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 —.....READ MORE
Episode 171:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 7- Recommended Materials + Utilizing Paras
Welcome to the July segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you —.....READ MORE
Episode 170:
Rethinking Behavior: Adopt a Skill Not Will Mindset
A conversation with Jenny Walmsley from Braving BSEL
In today’s episode, we dive into the concept of "Skill Not Will" to approach challenging behaviors in the classroom with a fresh, constructive mindset.—.....READ MORE
Episode 169:
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—.....READ MORE
Episode 168:
How to Improve the PLAAFP Statements in Your IEPs
Welcome to 6th segment of Ask Us Anything. On today's show we discuss interview questions that might be asked and best practices for progress monitoring.....READ MORE
Episode 167:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 6 -Interview Questions + Progress Monitoring
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......READ MORE
Episode 166:
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. —.......READ MORE
Episode 163:
How to Maintain Professionalism in Challenging Situations
In this episode, we discuss how to maintain your professionalism when faced with tough moments in the classroom. Everyone loses their cool now and then, but it’s how we handle these situations that truly shapes our teaching environment......READ MORE
Episode 162:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 5- End of Year Activities + Hard Transitions
Welcome to 5th 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.....READ MORE
Episode 161:
Counting Down to Summer? 5 Strategies to Stay Stress Free!
Have you begun the summer countdown yet? As we approach the end of the school year, many of us in special education are feeling the familiar strain of end-of-year fatigue. Testing, changes in student behavior, loosened discipline, and ...READ MORE
Episode 160:
Celebrating Autism Through Inclusive Education and Innovative Strategies with Heather Hall
In honor of Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance Month, this week's episode features a discussion with Heather Hall from Embracing Autism about the statement, "Autism is not a choice, but embracing it is." This conversation addresses critical misconceptions ...READ MORE
Episode 159:
Are You Comparing Yourself to Other Teachers? Break out of the Comparison Trap
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by guest Alicia Tripp to discuss the frequently overlooked but prevalent issue of comparison in special education. Alicia recounts her personal journey, starting from the inspiration she received from her brother with Down syndrome ...READ MORE
Episode 158:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 4- Paras Arguing + Teaching Math Facts
Welcome to 4th segment of Ask Us Anything. In these fun episodes of of the Sped Prep Academy podcast, Jennifer Hofferber and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. Today's questions: ...READ MORE
Episode 157:
How to Build Stronger Special Education Teams with Paraprofessionals:
A conversation with Lydia from The Exceptional Space
In today's episode, I have a guest to help me discuss one of my favorite topics: supporting paraprofessionals. These unsung heroes play a pivotal role in our classrooms, and it's crucial we acknowledge their contributions. ...READ MORE
Episode 156:
The Impact of a Special Education Teacher
When a former student approaches you after 25 years, thanking you for lessons long past, it hits in a way that words can't quite capture. That's the essence of the latest Sped Prep Academy podcast episode...READ MORE
Episode 155:
7 Strategies to Support Your Students During State Testing
Today we are discussing something that is coming up here pretty quickly in the world of education and typically has a greater level of impact on our students than general education students and that is the super fun time of state assessments...READ MORE
Episode 154:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 3- Managing Rotations + Peer Interactions
Today's questions:...READ MORE
Episode 153:
9 Tips to Help Special Educators Survive Spring IEP Season
Today, we explore the Spring IEP season, a period of time in the field of special education known for its intense demands, hectic schedules, and unique challenges. Jennifer shares her expertise and offers practical strategies to help...READ MORE
Episode 152:
Rediscovering our 'Why': A Night to Shine Experience
Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience with you, one that reminded me of the essence of why we do what we do as special educators. It's about rediscovering our "Why" amidst the challenges of our profession and finding renewal in moments of celebration and empowerment. READ MORE
Episode 151:
4 Tools to Help You Be a Better Leader for Your Staff
Today I want to give you some tools to help you accept your leadership position and thrive in it. Here's a breakdown of the valuable tools and strategies shared to enhance leadership skills and foster a positive, effective team dynamic. READ MORE
Episode 150:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 2- Managing Behavior + Collaborating with Gen Ed
In this engaging episode of our "Ask Us Anything Series," Paul and I give practical tips on behavior management and effective collaboration with general education teachers in an inclusive setting. READ MORE
Episode 149:
Teaching Beyond Labels to Create Active Learners: An Interview with Lois Letchford
Our guest today is Lois Letchford. Lois's journey with dyslexia began at the age of 39 when she faced the challenge of teaching her son. This experience was a turning point, leading her to examine her own struggles with reading and how she could overcome them. READ MORE
Episode 148:
Leading Paraprofessionals: 3 Tips to Change Your Mindset
Today I share my story about when I started teaching and how tough it was to "be a boss." I wish I could go back and tell that young girl that all she needed to do was accept the role, learn some techniques and change her mindset from boss to leader. In this episode, I have 3 tips to help you change your mindset and become a better leader for your staff Read More.
Episode 147:
Unlocking Dyslexia: Myths, Strategies, and Keys to Success with Lisa Parnello
In today's conversation, Lisa dispels common misconceptions about dyslexia, emphasizing that dyslexia is not a vision problem but a result of how the brain processes language. She stresses the importance of early intervention and offers valuable insights and strategies for educators, paraprofessionals and parents dealing with dyslexia. READ MORE
Episode 146:
Strategies for Disruptive Behavior with Rachel from the Behavior Check In
In this insightful episode, we delve into effective strategies for managing disruptive behavior in the special education classroom. Our expert guest, Rachel, shares valuable insights on what works and what doesn't, drawing from her wealth of experience. READ MORE
Episode 145:
Ask Us Anything Series: Part 1- How to Spend $1000 + Paraprofessionals
Today, I'm joined by my fantastic co-host with a new segment for the new year called "Ask Us Anything." Listeners of the podcast, members of the Facebook group and followers of the Instagram page can ask us the questions that are on their minds and Paul and I provide an honest and open discussion . READ MORE