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.

The PLAAFP section is not just the foundation of the IEP; it’s the blueprint that guides every aspect of a student's educational plan.

In this episode (recap of episode 81), we discuss these important aspects of the IEP PLAAFP section:

• Essential Components: What must be included to paint a complete picture of a student’s capabilities and needs.
• Common Pitfalls: What to avoid to prevent vague or incomplete PLAAFP sections.
• Sourcing Information: Best practices for gathering comprehensive data from a variety of sources.
• Stakeholder Input: How to effectively incorporate feedback from everyone involved in the student’s education, including the students themselves.

Resource highlights include:

• Write Better PLAAFP Statements for IEPs | Special Ed Teachers

• Writing Impact Statements for IEP PLAAFPS | Special Education Teachers

• PLAAFPs-Present Levels of Performance Cheat Sheets

Tune in to learn:

• How to ensure that every PLAAFP section you write is as robust and informative as possible.
• Why revisiting and refining your approach to PLAAFP can make a substantial difference in your educational outcomes.

Mentioned in the show:

• Write Better PLAAFP Statements for Your IEPs Guide – Find this essential resource through the link in our show notes.
• Survey Level Assessment – Discover how this tool can aid in creating precise and personalized IEP goals.

Revisiting this topic reinforces our commitment to excellence in special education. Perfect your PLAAFP sections and ensure that every IEP you write fully reflects the unique needs and strengths of your students. Your mission to better understand and articulate your students' levels starts here!

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

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Hey special educator…Overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your paraprofessionals? Are you challenged by disruptive classroom behaviors or found yourself scouring the internet searching for how to meet the diverse needs of each student, how to progress monitor , how to write IEP goals and on and on? Are you frustrated that it seems no one in your family truly understands what it means to be a special educator? If this sounds like you, you’ve landed yourself in the right spot. In this podcast, you'll find strategies to streamline paperwork, learn techniques for managing staff and behaviors, get insightful tips to meet each child where they are and take them where they need to be and finally feel seen and heard.

Hey there friend…I’m Jennifer Hofferber, an award winning veteran special education teacher and current instructional coach who has walked in your shoes through each of these challenges and yes, I've got the metaphorical blisters to prove it! I’ve cried your tears, felt your pain and made it to the other side…and now I’m here to support you.

I want you to think of your role as a special educators as a journey. It’s like taking a road trip with a good friend. Sure there will be potholes and and unexpected bumps. . Sure there will be road blocks and detours. And throughout your trip you are going to laugh and cry. But can I tell you something?…I wouldn’t trade this trip for anything. That rough road you are on is lined with moments of profound joy and triumph. Together we will find the strength and knowledge we need to navigate this journey, and we’ll learn how to transform challenges into victories.

My mission is to empower you with the confidence to run a successful department. To transform your classroom from a place of stress to one of success. If you're ready to enhance your skills, feel confident in this challenging career you've chosen, and connect with someone who truly understands what you are going through and how you are feeling, then this podcast is tailor-made for you. Special Education for Beginners is your go-to podcast for navigating the world of special education.

Every week, join me and other guests as we teach you how to handle all the classroom curveballs thrown your way, and learn to laugh in the midst of chaos. We'll celebrate those small, yet significant victories that only a special educator can truly appreciate. So, are you ready? Wipe those tears, put on your superhero cape, and together, let's learn how to survive and thrive in this ever-crazy, completely overwhelming, laugh-so-you-don't-cry profession of being a special education teacher.

How to learn more from me:

Sped Prep Academy Website

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Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

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Welcome to 6th 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:

1. Yesenia asks “When applying, what interview questions should I expect and what should I ask?"
2. From Mark..."I don't understand how to progress monitor and keep up with all that data."

Talking Points:

• Interview Tips for Special Education Teachers:
  • Importance of asking about interview panel members.
  • Significance of having special ed teachers in the interview process.
  • Key interview questions on collaboration, behavior management, differentiation, and paperwork management.
  • Jennifer emphasizes the importance of being proactive with consistent expectations and routines.
  • Paul discusses the strategic approach to discipline and inclusion in general education activities.
• Progress Monitoring:
  • Strategies for effective and manageable progress monitoring.
  • Using tools like spreadsheets and established programs (e.g., AIMSweb, FastBridge) for tracking student progress.
  • Importance of consistency and rewards for student improvements.
  • Jennifer suggests a new exit ticket system for weekly progress snapshots, available as a growing bundle on TPT.

Resources Mentioned:

Prepare for a job interview with these 50 potential questions and example answers Interview Questions for Special Education Teachers | Resume Template

Pinpoint exactly what skills your students can and cannot do, write goals and PLAAFP statements using the assessments and then use the same progress monitoring forms to track the data K-5 Progress Monitoring Assessment System

Brand New Resource: Special Education Exit Tickets for Progress Monitoring-Growing Bundle

These exit tickets provide a structured, consistent method for special education teachers to gather real-time data on student performance. These Exit Tickets are customized to align with the goal:
Exit Tickets for Progress Monitoring

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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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.

What's Included:

• The Importance of Summer Break: Summer provides a crucial period for special education teachers to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on the year's challenges and successes.
• Permission to Relax: Give yourself permission to take a break, emphasizing the necessity of this time for mental and emotional recovery.
• Reflection and Goal Setting: Jennifer introduces a three-part strategy to effectively use the summer break:
  1. Reflect on the Past Year: Focusing on various aspects such as administration, co-teachers, parents, students, schedules, paraprofessionals, and lesson planning.
  2. Maximize Relaxation: Engaging in activities that truly refresh and invigorate, from spending time outdoors to revisiting hobbies.
  3. Planning for the Upcoming Year: Setting gentle goals and organizing thoughts to prepare for a productive start to the new school year.
• Maintaining Well-Being: Strategies to carry the rejuvenated state into the new school year, including mental preparation techniques and self-care routines.

Summary

In this episode of Sped Prep Academy, Jennifer Hofferber shares essential strategies for special education teachers to make the most out of their summer break. From reflecting on the past school year to planning for the next, Jennifer provides practical advice and insights to help teachers recharge and prepare for new challenges. She also introduces the Special Education Teacher Reflection and Goal Setting Toolkit, a resource designed to aid in this reflective journey. This toolkit can be accessed here. As summer progresses, Jennifer encourages listeners to continue nurturing their well-being and to stay connected by sharing their stories of relaxation and preparation.

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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Today's guest is Kristen Andujar from the Special Education Clubhouse and is here to discuss the importance of collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers.

When both educators work together, they can share insights, resources, and strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. Effective teamwork not only enhances the educational experience, but it also ensures that all students (Not just those with IEPs) receive the consistency and support they need to thrive.

And a collaborative relationship is just as important for the adults. Building strong professional relationships and working collaboratively can reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and lead to personal and professional growth.

In this episode, Kristen and I discuss the common challenges that special education teachers face in building these partnerships, and we share strategies for successful co-planning and co-teaching to help bridge the gap between special education and general education.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Common Challenges in Collaboration:
  • Lack of common planning time
  • Limited resources and support for general education teachers
  • Need for additional training on special education strategies
• Strategies for Effective Co-Planning and Co-Teaching:
  • Utilize any available duty-free time for planning
  • Maintain open lines of communication
  • Share tips and strategies to support students’ IEP goals
• Impact of Effective Communication:
  • Consistency and support for students
  • Improved student outcomes and goal achievement
  • Enhanced inclusion and positive classroom environment
• Resources to Support Collaboration:
  • Free Visual Cue Cards
  • Free Visual Supports Lanyard
  • Break Cards on Teachers Pay Teachers
• Tracking and Sharing Student Progress:
  • Use simple data sheets that transition between classrooms
  • Ensure the process is quick and effective for both teachers
• Advice for New Special Educators:
  • Prioritize open communication
  • Be proactive in collaborating with general education teachers
  • Focus on the shared goal of student success

This episode underscores the impact of effective communication on student outcomes, and gives examples of how consistent collaboration can lead to success for everyone involved.

To learn more from Kristen, listeners can visit her website at specialeducationclubhouse.com
or follow her on Instagram at

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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TPT

Have you ever been formally trained on how to work with paraprofessionals?
No? Me neither!

Unfortunately, this critical aspect of special education preparation—paraprofessional training--is too often overlooked.

In today's episode, we explore why effective training isn't just beneficial, but essential for everyone involved: You, your district, fellow teachers, the paraprofessionals, and most importantly, our students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Startling Statistic: Only 11 out of 50 states have established professional development programs for paraprofessionals aiming to achieve highly qualified status. We discuss the implications of this and why it’s vital to address.
• I share the structured training systems I implement at the beginning of each academic year. This handbook system is designed to help you clearly communicate with your staff and build a skilled and confident team of paraprofessionals.
• Learn how to incorporate ongoing training into your weekly or monthly routines to continually enhance the skills of your paraprofessionals. This approach ensures they are not only competent but also confident and content in their roles.
• A Comprehensive Paraprofessional Training Guide filled with practical advice, activities, and strategies will help to empower your team.
• Personal Insights and Innovations: Reflecting on her decades of experience, Jennifer discusses her journey from recognizing a gap in available resources to creating the Ultimate Paraprofessional Training Guide and handbook, which have now become integral to her training process.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your approach to paraprofessional training. Check out the Ultimate Paraprofessional Training Guide
Equip yourself with the tools to develop a robust training program that supports your team and enhances the educational experience for your students.

Because efforts in training can lead to significant improvements in your educational setting, creating a more effective and cohesive team is essential. Elevate the role of paraprofessionals in special education by training yourself.

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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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.

Early in my career, I learned a costly lesson about controlling my reactions and to this day serves as an important reminder that our reactions have consequences.

Learn about:

• Identifying your triggers: Reflecting on this incident has made me realize the importance of recognizing personal triggers and stress points to better manage reactions and maintain a professional environment.
• Choosing your techniques to calm down: Discusses practical techniques for staying calm in the heat of the moment, such as deep breathing, stepping away briefly, and practicing mindfulness to build resilience over time.
• Responding Professionally: Offers strategies for handling confrontations professionally once you’ve managed to calm down, including using neutral language and scheduling follow-up discussions to thoroughly address important issues.
• Reflection and Feedback: Emphasizes the importance of reflecting on challenging interactions and seeking feedback to continually grow as an educator.
• Importance of Apologies: Discusses the power of apologizing and showing vulnerability, which can rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability.
• Golden Rule: Concludes with a reminder of the golden rule—treat others as you would like to be treated—which underpins the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect in all interactions.

Navigating challenging situations with professionalism not only helps us manage immediate challenges but also sets a positive standard for behavior in our educational environments.

Remember to download the free "Courageous Conversation Sentence Starters" to enhance your ability to handle difficult conversations effectively.

• Get your free "Courageous Conversation Sentence Starters" here: spedprepacademy.com/conversations

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

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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:

1. Megan asks “What are some fun End of Year educational activities? My principal said we still have to do educational things in our classes but my kids are off the walls."
2. From Heather..."I’ve had a student for 5 years and this is my first experience with transitioning a student to middle school. How can I prepare the student for the transition as well as myself and the parents?"
   
   

Bullet Points:

• End-of-Year Engagement: Discuss how to keep students engaged with educational activities as the school year ends.
• Highlight the use of project-based learning and other creative strategies such as incorporating movement and catering to different learning styles.
• Creative Educational Activities: Explore innovative classroom activities like creating custom escape rooms for review and adapting Genius Hour for short-term projects that allow students to explore their interests.
• Transitioning to Middle School: Provide advice for educators facing the emotional and logistical challenges of transitioning students to middle school.
• Emphasize the importance of building connections with the future school's staff and preparing both students and parents for the change.
• IEP Continuity: Stress the necessity of ensuring continuity in IEP implementation across school transitions. Suggest creating detailed snapshots of student progress to aid new teachers in understanding students' needs and strengths.

Closing:
Thank you for tuning into today's episode. We hope the strategies and stories shared here inspire you to implement creative solutions in your classrooms and support your students through important transitions. Remember, the end of the school year is not just a time to wrap up but an opportunity to celebrate growth and lay the foundation for future successes.

Keep sending your questions our way, and let's continue to support each other in our journey as special educators. See you next month, and here's to a wonderful summer break ahead!

Get your FREE copy of Impact Statement Mastery: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personalized IEPs.

• Expert tips and strategies,
• Easy-to-follow formats, and
• Real-life examples that bring theory to life.

A must-have for every special education teacher and related service provider.

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
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TPT