Episodios

  • 244. Determined Teacher Finds a Clickworthy Solution
    Jul 5 2024

    🖱️ In this episode, Catherine interviews Parker, the inventor of the Hoglet - the world's first fidget computer mouse. Discover how a former tech professional turned special education teacher invented a much needed assistive technology! 🚀

    Key highlights:

    • Parker's journey from tech to teaching 📚
    • The classroom experience that sparked the Hoglet idea 💡
    • The thoughtful design process behind this innovative tool 🎨
    • Benefits for sensory-seeking students and those with ADHD 🤗
    • How to incorporate the Hoglet into IEPs as assistive technology 📝

    Catherine shares valuable IEP tips and emphasizes the importance of documenting helpful tools. This conversation is a must-listen for parents and educators looking for creative solutions in special education! 🌟

    Prepare to be inspired by how one educator's determination is making waves in the world of accessible learning. 🌊

    Send Catherine a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

    Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

    Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed

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    10 m
  • 243. Smooth IEP Meeting? Send This Letter
    Jun 28 2024

    Hear me out on why sending a recap letter after an IEP meeting is crucial, even when everything goes smoothly.

    Learn how this simple strategy can prevent misunderstandings, document important agreements, and keep the collaborative spirit alive.

    I'll walk you through the key elements of an effective recap letter and explain why it's more than just an email.

    Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your IEP process and ensure the best outcomes for students.

    Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

    Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

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    6 m
  • 242. Say This, Not That: 5 Shifts for IEP Conversations
    Jun 23 2024

    Ever feel frustrated with the words being used at IEP meetings? You're not alone!

    In this episode, Catherine shares 5 critical language shifts that'll transform your IEP conversations.

    Whether you're a parent trying to express your child's needs or an educator aiming to build better plans, these strategies are key to simplifying the process.

    We're talking fewer words, with more impact. Specific statements, not vague generalizations. Gentle approaches vs harsh demands. And trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll be ready to infuse hope into every IEP discussion.

    With nearly 30 years in the special education trenches, I've seen these shifts work magic through some of the toughest IEP situations.

    So grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and let's upgrade your IEP experience together. It's time to get everyone on the same page and create plans that actually work.

    Ready to become an IEP conversation pro?
    Let's do this!

    Links to Learn More -

    Master IEP Coach® Resources
    Become a Master IEP Coach®
    Follow Catherine on Instagram

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    11 m
  • 241. Losing Yourself at the IEP Table
    Jun 13 2024

    Ever walk into an IEP meeting and struggle to show up as your best self? You know the conversation is going to be tough and you are just crossing your fingers hoping you can say and do the right things.

    In this episode, I'll give you practical tips on finding support, preparing effectively, and managing your emotions during meetings. Learn how to show up as your best self with integrity and confidence... even through the hardest conversations.

    For more IEP resources and the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship, visit Master IEP Coach®.

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    10 m
  • 240. Courageously Hit Refresh and Have Less Stress at the IEP Table
    Jun 9 2024

    It's time to break free of unnecessary stress at the IEP table and courageously hit refresh.

    Finally, give yourself permission to let go of methods or programs that just aren't working - even if you poured tons of effort into them initially. Whether it's a teaching approach, therapy plan, or accommodation, if it's causing more headaches than progress, let it go!

    Hitting refresh also means a shift that flips the script on how you approach IEPs. Instead of just checking legal boxes, listen in to get perspective on how to start with your child's or student's unique needs and let the law support that vision. It's a total game-changer!

    Tune in and you'll walk away seeing the IEP process through a fresh lens, packed with strategies to maximize a child's growth while prioritizing your own well being.

    Send me a DM on Instagram Here

    Get Free IEP Resources Here

    Learn to become a Master IEP Coach® Here

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    16 m
  • 239. Create Your Double Win This Summer
    May 30 2024

    Are you constantly striving and achieving at the IEP table, only to crash from burnout shortly after? I've been there, and in this episode I'm sharing how the concept of "high performance" changed everything for me.

    You'll learn the 6 key habits around clarity, energy, productivity and more that allowed me to raise my baseline to a consistent state of joy and engagement - even amid major life struggles like divorce, health crises, and financial troubles.

    I'll walk you through how to implement these habits in a way that fits your unique schedule, so you can finally feel that confidence and alignment you crave, not just at the IEP table but across all areas of your life.

    It's time to stop the cycle of short-term achievement followed by burnout. Join me for an open conversation about creating your "double win" this summer through my 12-week mentorship!

    Join the Summer Mentorship: www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

    Got questions? Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

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    35 m
  • 238. Feeling Burnt Out? You need sustainable IEPs
    May 23 2024

    Burnout, exhaustion, and that "never again" feeling after an unsustainable IEP year? Let's get real about the tendency to overload IEPs with too many goals, accommodations, and responsibilities - leaving teachers, therapists, parents, and children overwhelmed.

    Prioritization is crucial for sustainable IEPs that drive real progress. Stripping back IEPs to the highest-impact, "needle-moving" areas is key to consistently targeting and data-tracking those catalysts for growth, rather than spreading yourselve too thin trying a little bit of everything.

    Learn how to ditch the "fluff" and create focused IEPs that are appropriate yet achievable long-term at www.masteriepcoach.com

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    9 m
  • 237. What 3 Words Do People Say Behind Your Back After an IEP Meeting?
    May 18 2024

    What three words would people use to describe you after an IEP meeting? Maybe you owned traits like "caring," "patient," and "collaborative" - or maybe there's room to level up.

    As the school year ends, I share examples from Master IEP Coaches® striving to be a "lifeline," "data-driven," and "calm" for families. What three words do you wish defined your approach to getting the most out of IEP meetings?

    Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

    Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

    Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed

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    10 m