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 that come with the job and shares how adopting the right mindset can make all the difference.

From embracing the new school year as a fresh start, setting goals and practicing self-compassion, she offers five powerful mindset shifts that can help you navigate the ups and downs of teaching with resilience and purpose. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your joy and passion for teaching, even on the toughest days.

Key Talking Points:

1. Mindset Shift #1: Embrace the New Year as a Fresh Start
   • The first mindset shift involves seeing each school year as a new opportunity to grow and make a difference. Jennifer encourages teachers to set positive intentions, visualize successes, and focus on the potential of the year ahead rather than dwelling on past difficulties.
2. Mindset Shift #2: Focus on What You Can Control
   • Jennifer shares her personal struggle with the need for control and how letting go of what’s beyond her control significantly reduced her stress. This shift helps teachers conserve their energy for what truly matters, like student engagement and personal well-being.
3. Mindset Shift #3: Celebrate the Small Things
   • The third shift is about recognizing and celebrating small victories, both for teachers and students. Jennifer explains how this practice can boost morale, reinforce a positive mindset, and serve as motivation throughout the school year.
4. Mindset Shift #4: Surround Yourself with Positivity
   • Jennifer discusses the impact of environment on mindset and offers practical tips for surrounding yourself with positive influences, whether through colleagues, media, or personal spaces.
5. Mindset Shift #5: Practice Self-Compassion
   • The final mindset shift focuses on self-compassion, reminding teachers that it’s okay to have bad days. Jennifer encourages teachers to develop self-care routines that allow them to recharge and maintain their well-being.

The challenges of teaching in special education are very real and maintaining the right mindset can help you navigate these challenges and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and joyful teaching experience.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a colleague who might benefit from these mindset shifts. Let’s start this school year strong—together!

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Welcome back to another episode of Special Education for Beginners. 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! Today’s guest is Angela Rivas from The Sped Tech Teacher and she is here to share some valuable advice to help you thrive in your role as a special educator.

Talking Points:

1. Building Strong Relationships with Colleagues
   • Strategies for fostering positive relationships with general education teachers and other colleagues.
   • The importance of collaboration and mutual support.
2. Establishing Effective Practices and Routines
   • Key practices to start the school year off right, including organization tips and proactive communication with parents.
   • Angela’s approach to using tools like a Notion template for staying on top of paperwork and deadlines.
3. Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout
   • Angela discusses her methods for managing stress, including the importance of using days off and setting boundaries.
   • The benefits of being transparent with students about stress and modeling healthy stress management techniques.
4. Advice for New Special Educators
   • Practical tips for new teachers to navigate their first year, including finding supportive colleagues and leveraging social media for professional development.
   • Angela emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and building a strong support network.
5. Special Resources for Listeners
   • Angela shares information about free resources she has available for special education teachers and how listeners can connect with her for more insights.

This conversation with Angela has been incredibly enlightening. Her approach to building relationships, managing stress, and staying organized offers a clear path to thriving in the special education field.

Angela has found her passion in finding ways to improve teaching and learning both with and without technology. She has created an AI GPT called MyIEP Buddy, designed to help special education teachers write exceptional IEPs, and she has also created a course specifically for new special education teachers called the Newbie SpEd Teacher Academy, which is designed to help new teachers know where to start, changing their first year from chaos to structure.

Be sure to check out the special resources she mentioned, and as always, thank you for joining us on Special Education for Beginners. We’ll see you next time!

https://thespedtechteacher.com/collections/freebies

Connect with Angela:

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

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Today we're focusing on setting up the perfect autism classroom and we're joined by SB Linton, an experienced autism educational specialist, who will share invaluable insights and practical steps to help you create a supportive and efficient learning environment.

Listen in as we explore the 12 things you need to know before setting up an autism classroom.

1. You need to know about autism
2. Know what LRE you will be teaching in
3. What you are legally required to do
4. What is in the IEP
5. Skills you will be teaching
6. What teaching materials to order
7. Decide how creative you want to be
8. Understand parents’ perspective
9. Know who is on your team
10. How to handle behavior issues
11. How to develop transition strategies
12. Self care equals structure

Understanding Autism: Start by deepening your understanding of autism to tailor your approach effectively, recognizing the unique communication and emotional regulation needs of students.

Classroom Setup: Dive into practical steps for organizing your space, from creating sensory-friendly zones to integrating essential learning tools and visual aids.

Collaborative Approaches: Learn strategies for working with general education teachers and paraprofessionals to foster a cohesive team environment, ensuring all staff are well-informed and prepared.

Legal and Educational Frameworks: Discuss the importance of understanding and adhering to the legal aspects of IEPs (Individual Educational Plans), including setting appropriate goals and accommodations.

Engagement and Communication: Explore methods to enhance student engagement through structured routines and clear communication strategies, ensuring every student knows what to expect throughout their day.

Parental Involvement: Emphasize the role of parents in the educational process, offering tips for building strong partnerships and maintaining open lines of communication.

S.B. helps teachers create an effective learning environment so they'll feel more in control of their classroom and confident that they are meet the individual needs of their students.

Be sure to check out the AutismClassroom.com website which provides practical articles, courses, worksheets, workbooks and materials for teaching students with autism.

Mentioned in the episode:
12 Things to Know Before Establishing Your Autism Classroom ebook

Connect with S.B.
Facebook

Instagram

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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Welcome to the August segment of Ask Us Anything! In these fun episodes of the Special Education for Beginners podcast, Jennifer and her monthly co-host, Paul, answer the questions you ask. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and tips to help you handle the challenges of the special education classroom.

Today's Questions:

1. Maggie from Michigan: "What elements do I need to make sure I have before setting up my classroom this fall? I'm an over-planner and I don't want to forget anything."
2. Tina from Illinois: "What are some organizational tools to help stay on top of beginning of the year to-dos?"

Talking Points:Episode Highlights:

• Navigating Classroom Setup:
  • Creating a classroom layout that caters to student needs.
  • The importance of having designated student-centered areas, like a sensory or calm-down corner.
  • The value of visual schedules and how to implement them effectively.
• Maximizing Resources and Funding: Paul shares alternative methods to fund classroom essentials without breaking the bank. From DonorsChoose projects to district grants,
• Paraprofessional Collaboration: Jennifer highlights the importance of working closely with paraprofessionals.
• Emergency Preparedness: The discussion also touches on having emergency plans in place
• Organizational Tools:
  • The importance of having a reliable planner, whether digital or paper.
  • Utilizing checklists for IEP preparation and other critical tasks.
  • Innovative methods for progress monitoring and data collection.
  • Effective communication strategies with parents using apps like ClassDojo or Seesaw.
• Time Management Tips: Use the Pomodoro Technique as a strategy for managing time effectively in the classroom.
• Importance of setting priorities and sticking to them to avoid the overwhelm that often accompanies the start of the school year.

Jennifer and Paul remind listeners that while being a special education teacher is challenging, it’s also rewarding. They encourage educators to take care of themselves, plan effectively, and use the resources available to them.

Resources Mentioned:

Special Education Teacher Checklist
Bullet Journal

Don't Forget!

Send in your questions for the next Ask Us Anything

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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Today, we are diving into 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, especially those who arrive at school unregulated due to various external factors such as tough mornings at home, stressful commutes, or sibling conflicts. As educators, it is our duty to create positive learning environments that help students transition smoothly into a day of learning and growth. I am thrilled to welcome Nikki Robertson from Teaching Autism to share her expertise on this topic.

• Importance of the Start of the School Day
• Arrival Routine Components
• Significance of Breakfast
• Morning Meetings
• Building Relationships and Trust
• Overcoming Challenges
  

Nikki shares invaluable insights into creating a nurturing and supportive morning routine for neurodiverse students. By focusing on the importance of the start of the day, Nikki emphasizes how a well-structured arrival routine, a nutritious breakfast, and engaging morning meetings can significantly impact students' readiness to learn.

She highlights the need for personalized interactions and the role of staff in building trusting relationships with students. Nikki also offers practical advice for overcoming common challenges teachers face when implementing morning routines, underscoring the importance of flexibility and individualized support. Her expertise and passion for special education provide listeners with actionable strategies to enhance their classroom environments and ensure a positive start to each school day.

Resources:

Morning Work Bundle includes my favorite morning work activities that I use as part of our morning work routine.

Morning Meeting Blog link

Connect with Nikki:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

TikTok

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

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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 roles clearly, and ensuring every team member is on the same page to maximize classroom dynamics and student success.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Paraprofessional Roles: challenges teachers face, especially new ones, in defining the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals within the classroom
2. Setting Clear Expectations: clarify expectations and responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth classroom operation.
3. Behavior Management: strategies to maintain consistency in behavior management among all classroom adults
4. Training and Professional Development: The significance of tailored professional development and orientation for paraprofessionals
5. Communication and Teamwork: regular meetings and clear communication are foundational elements for fostering successful partnerships
6. Practical Classroom Applications: how to set up classroom stations to efficiently utilize paraprofessionals and engage students
7. Documenting and Evaluating Work: best practices for keeping track of the contributions and effectiveness of paraprofessional work in the classroom

This conversation not only highlights the critical role of paraprofessionals in special education settings but also provides practical advice for teachers looking to enhance their collaborative skills and build a cohesive team, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights. Be sure to follow Jen for more resources and support.

Teach Love Autism Website

Teach Love Autism on Teachers Pay Teachers

Teach Love Autism on Facebook

Teach Love Autism Community Facebook Group

Teach Love Autism on IG

@teachloveautism on Tiktok

Teach Love Autism on Pinterest

Mentioned in the Episode:
Episode 32: How to Stay Organized as a Special Education Teacher

Product - Task Card Bundle for All 4 Core Subjects!

Free Fluency Data Sheets

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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

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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.

Talking Points:

1. Understanding Progress Monitoring
   • Definition and importance of progress monitoring in special education
   • How it helps in achieving personalized educational outcomes and informs IEP adjustments
2. Choosing the Right Frequency
   • Discussing how often to conduct progress monitoring
   • Balancing thorough assessment without overwhelming students or educators
3. Methods of Progress Monitoring
   • Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
     • Overview and benefits for reading, math, and other core areas.
     • Introduction of digital tools like Easy CBM
   • Direct Behavior Rating (DBR)
     • Explanation of how DBR tracks behavioral and educational success
   • Exit Ticket System
     • Benefits of using exit tickets for quick daily assessments
   • Portfolio Assessment
     • The use of comprehensive collections of student work to assess growth over time
   • Learning Management Systems (LMS)
     • How digital platforms can streamline progress monitoring
   • Performance-Based Assessment
     • Evaluating students through real-life tasks to measure practical application of skills
   • Anecdotal Records
     • Importance of observational data in understanding student behavior and learning context
4. Decide on a System
   • Traditional paper or pencil vs. digital
   • Use of a Student Data Notebook

Summary and Product Links:

As we wrap up today's discussion, it's clear that effective progress monitoring is pivotal in special education. By choosing the right tools and methods, you can ensure your monitoring efforts are both efficient and tailored to the unique needs of each student. I highly recommend checking out the customizable Student Data Notebook and the dynamic Exit Ticket bundle from my TPT store. These resources are designed to help you streamline your progress monitoring processes and are currently available at an introductory price.

Links to Products Mentioned in the Show:

• Student Data Notebook
• Exit Ticket Bundle

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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

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Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Special Education for Beginners"! Today, we're thrilled to host Abby from Mrs. Moe'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 practical tips for effectively managing challenging behaviors in the classroom.

Talking Points:

1. Understanding and Implementing Effective Behavior Management Strategies:
   • The significance of offering choices to students to empower and provide control.
   • The importance of maintaining a positive self-talk or mantra to manage stress and improve teacher-student interactions.
2. Abby's Behavior Roadmap:
   • An introduction to Abby's unique behavior roadmap, designed to offer a structured approach to managing difficult behaviors beyond traditional plans.
   • Discussion on the increasing challenges in behavior management post-COVID and the impact of environmental factors on student behavior.
3. Advice for Educators and Parents:
   • Practical tips that can be implemented by educators and parents alike to handle challenging behaviors.
   • Emphasizing the importance of separating the behavior from the child and maintaining a trauma-sensitive classroom environment.

Conclusion: In today's episode, Abby provided invaluable insights and strategies that can transform the way educators and parents approach behavior management. Her behavior roadmap promises to be a comprehensive guide for anyone facing behavioral challenges in educational settings. Don’t forget to check out Abby's upcoming live sessions this summer for more detailed guidance and support.

Thank you, Abby, for sharing your expertise and resources. For those interested in learning more about Abby’s work or joining her behavior management training:
Your Behavior Roadmap

Connect with Abby on social media at Mrs. Mo's Modifications for continuous tips and updates.
Website

Instagram

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.

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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